Installing a Hot Water Heater
Is it time to replace that hot water heater? If your heater has outlived its warranty, is acting tired or if you’re interested in a new, energy-saving option, it might be time to trade it in for a new model. When you do, trust SESCOS to install it for you safely and quickly.
What Kind of Heater Do You Need?
There are several different types of hot water heater.
Conventional/tank heater: This type keeps a storage tank filled with hot water. The tank size can range from 50 gallons to 100 gallons or more. The tank is insulated to keep the water hot. These can be electric- or gas-powered. Gas-powered models tend to be more energy-efficient.
Tankless/on-demand heater: This heater doesn’t hold hot water but heats up the water when you demand it. These are more energy-efficient than tank heaters and are good for people who aren’t using hot water for several different things at once. If you have natural gas, tankless heaters will work well. If you don’t, an electrician will have to wire your home for the heater.
Heat pump: Extremely energy-efficient, heat pump heaters transfer heat from the air to the water in their tanks. They are more expensive to buy than conventional heaters but on the upside, they cost less than half as much to run. They can be installed anywhere but need a somewhat constant temperature.
Solar: Another option that has a pricey upfront cost coupled with savings over the long run, a solar panel mounts to the roof and uses sunlight to heat water. You could see your energy bill drop dramatically if you live in a sunny climate. Most solar heaters have a backup system that starts up if the skies are cloudy.
Tankless coil: Also called a condensing water heater, this type uses exhaust from your home’s heating system to heat water. Tankless coil units are best suited to homes that use natural gas for heating.
Which One’s the Best?
There’s no way to know what the best choice is until you consider:
- what type of power you use, whether it’s natural gas, geothermal, electricity or propane;
- which size tank will work for your needs;
- where and how you want to install it.
Installing the Hot Water Heater
Is your home properly wired for a hot water heater? Consult an electrician who can advise you on wiring, amperage, valve settings and the need for GFCIs.
Installing a hot water heater is no easy task and the last thing you want is a hot water heater that blows its stack. Installation is especially tricky if the new heater runs on a different type of fuel than the old one did.
The technician who delivers the hot water heater may not be an electrician or a plumber. After you’ve gone to the trouble and expense of selecting and buying a new hot water heater, make sure it keeps working safely, and have it professionally installed by your SESCOS electrician.
Save Time and Money with SESCOS
Federal regulations now require hot water heaters to be more energy-efficient. That’s good news for homeowners and property owners, who could see substantial savings by replacing their older models.
To make the most of your new heater, ensure that your electrical system can handle the new appliance, especially if you’re buying a larger one. With colder weather on the horizon, a new water heater might be at the top of your wish list. Let SESCOS handle the installation and get ready to enjoy hot water, energy efficiency, and cost savings.