5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Water Heater for Your Austin Home

Between plumbing and electrical needs, deciding on the right water heater for your home in Austin, Texas can be a tricky task. This is why, when selecting a water heater, it is important to take various aspects into consideration such as cost, energy efficiency, and installation requirements. Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers, experts in resolving all types of plumbing issues in 78758 Austin, can help you pick the right water heater conveniently and cost-effectively.

Any water heating system should have the right combination of cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and comfort. It should be able to provide an ample amount of hot water while consuming the least amount of energy. Before making a decision on the best water heater for your Austin home, here are 5 things to consider:

1. Equipment Cost

When deciding on the most suitable water heater for your home, the cost of the equipment, as well as installation cost, must be factored in. The cost of the equipment for a tankless water heater will be almost double what you would pay for a tank water heater. Tank water heaters are also more affordable to install.

2. Energy Use

Another factor to consider is energy efficiency. Tankless water heaters can be up to 34 percent more efficient than water tank heaters, because they instantly heat water as it passes through. And, electric tankless water heaters have Energy Factor ratings above 0.9, while gas models rate above 0.8. Therefore, it's important to find the right fit for your indoor environment and electricity needs.

3. Hot Water Demand

If your household requires frequent and multiple uses of hot water, you'll need more than a tankless water heater alone to keep up with the demand. In such cases, combining a tankless water heater with an insulated storage tank makes maximum usage of the tankless heater.

4. Heating Capacity

A tank water heater might not be the most energy-efficient option, however, they typically have a larger capacity than tankless models. Tank water heaters vary in size from 20 to 120 gallons. Ideally, you'd want a tank size ample enough to satisfy the hot water demand of the most remote part of your home.

5. Installation and Maintenance Requirements

As gas-powered water heaters put out a larger amount of hot water in shorter amounts of time, they need an exhaust pipe to vent out the combustion gases. Thus, when selecting a gas-powered water heater, exploring installation requirements, such as whether a vent hood needs to be installed, is important. Also, with most water heaters, depending on the type, annual maintenance is usually recommended in order to keep them running efficiently.

The right water heater for your Austin home depends on your family's unique needs and budget. Working with Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers can help you select a water heater that meets your needs while helping you save time and money in the process. At Abacus, you get Plumbing Solutions that are Always Done Right.

Water Heater

Austin TX

Abacus Plumbing