So you’re looking for a new water heater replacement. Whether it has already stopped working or you’re noticing signs that it may fail anytime soon, you are now seeking a water heater system replacement that fits your budget and your needs.

Maybe you’re considering upgrading it because you added a new bathroom, or perhaps you want to install a smaller one because your children are leaving home. Either way, you know how important it is to choose a water heater that meets your needs and concerns before going for a water heater replacement. Get one too small, and you’ll run out of hot water while showering because somebody started cooking; get it too big, and you’ll see how your energy prices skyrocket.

Hence, if you want to ensure your new water heater will live up to your expectations, the first step is to research your options. The second is to find experienced plumbers to help you select the best choice.

What should you consider when looking for a hot water system replacement?

1. The fuel your water heater uses 

Water heaters use different power sources, from solar energy to electricity. Before your water heater replacement, you’ll need to consider each type to ensure your plumbing, gas, and electrical systems can meet their requirements or if you’ll need to alter them during the replacement.

Likewise, some water heaters are more efficient than others, depending on the fuel. So, it’s also important to consider how much hot water you use daily and whether that capacity will increase or decrease.

Electric water heaters: These are one of the most common choices for residential water heater system replacement due to their ease of installation, lower upfront costs, and safe operation. As their name suggests, these heaters use an electrical burner to warm the water and typically require a dedicated 240-volt connection to run.

If your current water heater is electrical, you know that your system has enough power to supply a similar one. However, if you’re planning to upgrade the heater’s size or your old one used another fuel, you should consider how much energy they need when looking for a water heater replacement.

Gas and propane water heaters: Their burners are fueled using natural or propane gas and can sometimes be installed in your existing gas lines. Although they’re usually more expensive than electric water heaters, they tend to be more efficient and provide more water simultaneously, with some providing up to 11 gallons per minute.

However, gas water heaters also need a ventilation system and must be placed far from combustible materials to prevent accidents. Hence, these costs must be considered when choosing a hot water system replacement.

Heat-pump water heaters: Also known as hybrid heaters, these units spark interest because they heat the water by capturing and transferring heat from the air. While they also need a required 240-volt connection to function, they use 60% less energy than electrical ones. If one of your goals is to lower energy consumption, consider them for your water heater replacement.

Since their tank sizes range from 50 to 80 gallons and the heat pump is on top, you’ll need plenty of space to install it. Hence, if your current water heater is less than 7 feet from floor to ceiling, you may need to consider another location or another option. Likewise, they are more expensive than the two previous options.

2. The capacity you need

Tank water heaters range from 20 to 100 gallons, while tankless water heaters typically range from 2 gallons per minute (GPM) to 11 GPM, meaning they can deliver between 2 – 11 gallons of hot water per minute. Hence, the size you get for a water heater replacement depends on the number of occupants in your building and your hot water usage.

For instance, a family of four can take several showers, run the dishwasher, and wash a load of laundry on an average day, which is approximately 100 gallons per day. On the other hand, a business like a laundromat, a hotel, or a restaurant uses even more water. But here’s the tricky part: that doesn’t mean you need a 100-gallon tank water heater, or you can get a tankless water heater replacement.

If you plan to get a storage tank water heater, you’ll need to consider the first-hour rating (FHR) before choosing. The FHR tells you how many gallons of water the heater can deliver within an hour of starting with a full tank.

For instance, a family of four would shower four times on a typical day. A typical shower usually needs 2 to 3 gallons of water, meaning that they would use 8 gallons of water in the first hour. If they run the dishwasher before leaving, that would be roughly another 1.5 gallons of water. Hence, they would need at least a 10-gallon tank water heater replacement.

If you want to go for a tankless water heater replacement, you’d need to focus on the water heater’s GPM rate and estimate how much water you need per minute. You can use this energy calculator to measure your needs accurately.

Ensure you meet your water heater needs with Swiftline Plumbing.

Our main mission is to exceed your expectations when solving your plumbing problems. Whether it is just a water heater inspection or upgrading from traditional units to more energy-efficient ones, our skilled team of professionals is dedicated to making your plumbing decisions easy and informed. Hence, you are always satisfied with the job you pay for.

Call us at 772-359-0005! Our team is ready to help you get the perfect water heater replacement for your needs and wants. You can also contact us online for more information.