Hot water is a commodity that you use for many activities throughout the day. This includes taking a shower or bath, cleaning the various surfaces of your home, cooking, and doing laundry. These activities are interrupted if a hot water heater fails. Prompt replacement is ideal. Let’s consider some of the factors to think about when choosing the best water heater for your Covina, CA home.
The Size of Your Water Heater
It’s important to select an appropriately sized water heater for your residence. If you choose something too small, this can limit the amount of hot water that you can access each day. If you have too large of a unit, this can lead to inefficiency with your system. This increases your monthly utility bills and leads to more frequent repair needs.
There are several things to think about regarding the size of a water heater. If you only have one to two people living in your home, you’ll be fine with a water heater that holds approximately 30 to 40 gallons. A family of three or four people will benefit from a tank that is 50 to 60 gallons. If you have a household of more than five people or have substantial hot water demands, a unit that holds over 60 gallons is ideal.
Determining Power Source
You can choose between a gas-powered, electric, or propane-fueled water heater. The power source you select can determine the efficiency of your system. Gas tends to be an efficient option, but electric models usually require fewer repairs over their lifespan.
Consider ENERGY STAR Ratings
The ENERGY STAR rating system is used by the Department of Energy to describe the efficiency of a specific appliance. Regarding a water heater, you can review the ENERGY STAR ratings of a heater to determine how much it will cost you to run each year. This makes it simple to budget for the investment of a new heater and running your equipment moving forward.
Different Hot Water Heater Options
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can reap the benefits of different features like smart technology. Smart water heaters can be used to monitor how much energy your heater is using. You’ll be able to spot any changes in efficiency, which can indicate a problem that requires repair. You can also change the settings on your smart water heater using your connected devices and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Professional Installation
Make sure that you’re working with an experienced professional who can provide installation services for your new water heater. Your water heater must be installed correctly to ensure it is reliable and efficient. You should also schedule yearly inspections and maintenance for your water heater to protect its integrity. This maintenance includes draining and flushing your tank to remove a buildup of minerals and sediment. We will check the anode rod in your tank for signs of corrosion. This sacrificial rod collects minerals and sediments so it cannot prematurely corrode the interior of your water heater tank. Other maintenance tasks include checking connections, inspecting the pilot light (if there is one), and inspecting the tank for signs of rust and wear.
Signs It’s Time for a New Water Heater
Several signs indicate it’s time to invest in a new water heater.
Age of Unit
If your current water heater is approaching the end of its lifespan and you’re experiencing more issues with it, it may be time for a new model.
Frequent Repairs
Needing to schedule more frequent repairs can indicate the interior components of your equipment are breaking down.
Lack of Hot Water
If you can’t obtain enough hot water to meet the demands of your household, upgrading to a new and larger tank may be necessary.
Considering a Tankless System
If you would like to reap the benefits of on-demand hot water every day, consider investing in a tankless hot water system. This eliminates the need for a storage tank, which boosts the efficiency of this setup. Water is only heated when you need it. There isn’t the need for running equipment and consuming energy to keep water inside a tank heated when you’re not at home or using hot water.
Tankless hot water systems are designed to last longer than a tank-based setup. Just make sure that you keep up with the routine maintenance of your system. You should get about 15 to 20 years from your investment.
Contact Drain Doctor Plumbing & Rooter in Covina for assistance with selecting and installing a new water heater. We also offer services such as new plumbing installation, sewer repair, drain cleaning, repiping, descaling, and more.
