Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home
A successful water heater installation starts with choosing a system that fits your home’s hot water demands, available space, energy source, and efficiency goals. Tank-style water heaters remain a common choice for Salem homes and are available in different capacities and efficiency levels. The right option depends on how much hot water your household uses and how the water heater will be connected within the home.
Water Heater Size and First-Hour Rating
For a traditional tank water heater, tank capacity is only part of the sizing process. Another important specification is the first-hour rating, which estimates how many gallons of hot water the unit can supply during an hour of typical use, starting with a fully heated tank.
A plumber can consider household size, shower use, laundry, dishwashing, and periods of peak hot water demand when recommending an appropriate capacity. Installing a water heater that is too small can lead to frequent hot water shortages, while unnecessarily oversizing a system may increase energy use and installation costs.
Gas or Electric Water Heater Installation
The home’s available energy source also affects water heater selection. Gas water heaters require appropriate gas connections and venting, while electric water heaters require compatible electrical service. Woodward Plumbing can evaluate the existing utilities and installation location to help determine which type of water heater is appropriate for the home.
Considering a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless systems are sized differently from storage-tank water heaters. Instead of tank capacity and first-hour rating, sizing depends largely on the required flow rate and the temperature increase needed to produce hot water. Households that want an on-demand system should choose equipment capable of supporting expected simultaneous hot water use.
Because tankless systems have different sizing, venting, gas, electrical, and installation requirements, homeowners interested specifically in an on-demand system can learn more about tankless water heater installation in Salem.
