Water Heaters
Waters heaters use a considerable amount of energy in your home. The US Department of Energy estimated that water heaters consist of about 18 percent of your electricity usage. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your water heater is functioning correctly, or update to a newer model that is energy efficient. Apollo Heating Air & Plumbing can help you decide the best route to take depending on the age of your equipment and your budget. If you choose to replace your water heater, we can help you choose the right size and model to suit your home.
Selecting a New Water Heater
Not all water heaters are the same. Depending on your water usage, one might be a better choice over another. Here are some things to consider when making your decision.
Storage Water Heaters
- Double protection with air/fuel shut-off
- Prevents combustion outside of combustion chamber
- Superior air filtration
- No filters to clean
- Reduces energy costs
- High Efficiency – more hot water at a lower cost
Capacity
Buying a water heater with the right capacity is important. Too small and you’ll run out of hot water quickly. Too big, and you you’ll end up paying more in energy costs than you really out to be paying. The Apollo technician can help you determine the right size water heater so that you get the perfect size for your home. This means that your new water heater will be able to produce enough hot water on demand, and you you won’t end up paying more than you need in energy costs.
Efficiency
It’s also important that you understand the efficiency ratings of water heaters. Each heater is rated by an “Energy Factor,” or EF for short. Gas water heaters have an EF rating between 0.50 and 0.60, while some have an even higher rating of 0.80. You’ll also want to ensure that the water heater has a good amount of insulation that helps keep the water hot so you don’t waste energy having to reheat it.
Cost
An inexpensive water heater may seem like a good deal at first, but it may cost more to operate. It’s always a best practice to invest a little more up front for a water heater that will save you on operating costs over the life of the heater. Be sure to check the Energy Guide label and consult your Apollo plumbing technician to get the right fit for your home and budget.