Water Heaters

Water Heater Tip:

Did you know that water heating can account for up to 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home? When you are choosing a new water heater, make sure that it will not only be able to provide enough hot water for you home, but that it also is energy efficient. Tankless or hybrid water heaters are environmentally friendly options for many homes; be sure to explore all available types if you are thinking of upgrading your current water heater!

Your water heater is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your house. You probably never see it and you rarely think of it, but that system provides you with the water to clean yourself, your dishes, your clothes, and just about everything else you need each day. When you need service, repair, or installation of a new water heater in the Orlando area, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI).

Water heaters come in many different formats; which one you choose will depend on the size of your home, your energy needs, and the existing infrastructure of your plumbing. There are two general types of water heaters – tank based systems and tankless water heaters. The latter is more efficient because it only heats the water you need, but the former generally ensures you have hot water available at all times. Here are some additional features to consider in making your decision.

• How Much it Produces – Water heaters are measured by how much water they can produce in one hour or the FHR (first hour rating). This number tells you how much water can be produced from the moment you turn on the hot water to 60 minutes later. The more, the better.
• Heating Source – Gas or electric? Where you live will have a big impact on which of these is more affordable, but gas does not rely on electrical lines and is generally more earth friendly. It can cost a bit more, but the benefits are many.
• Water Consumption – How much water does your water heater use each day. Imagine how much water you use on Sunday when you do the dishes, everyone takes baths or showers and you wash the clothes. Make sure the water heater you choose can handle this load.

These factors are very important in helping you choose a heater, but for those still trying to decide between tank based and tankless water heaters, here are some additional details to consider:

Tank Water Heaters

Modern technology has made tank heaters far more efficient than they once were, though you will find that gas based heaters are the most efficient, even if they cost a bit more to start with. If you lose electricity, keep in mind that you will maintain a water source for at least a couple of hours and that you can use the water throughout the house simultaneously. Conversely, however, you can run out of water if the tank empties. Also, the tank will turn on periodically throughout the day even if you are not using it to keep the water up to temperature. Timer valves can help to reduce power consumption, but there will still be some loss.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are a newer form of water heating that is much more energy efficient, though they can cost a bit more than traditional tanks up front. The biggest benefit of installing a tankless water heater is that it doesn't have to heat an entire tank of water and will use less energy to heat the water you are using at any given time. This means you will have hot water whenever you need it throughout the day, but you’re not wasting energy (and money) keeping the water warm in a tank 24 hours a day.

If the unit is sized correctly, you will be able to supply hot water to multiple plumbing applications, even if they are used at the same time. A standard tankless water heater can consistently supply hot water to most 2 to 2/1/2 bath homes on demand without running out of hot water. It is very important to make sure you install the correct size for your home and hot water needs, so you should always speak with a professional before investing in a tankless water heater. Contact MPI any time to speak with one of our specialists. We can help you make the most cost-efficient choice for your Orlando metropolitan area home and provide you with quality installation services.