We bet you didn’t know this, but hot water heaters have come a long way from when they were first designed back in 1897. Their inventor, Edwin Ruud, was a Norwegian medical engineer who was working in Philidelphia at the time. He dreamed of a safe way for hot water to come out of the tap, ultimately creating “the first automatic, storage-tank type gas water heater.”
This invention didn’t catch on right away, so Edwin continued to improve upon his original design. It wasn’t until the 1940s when standardized plumbing codes became a thing, that hot water heaters were used more widely and Edwin’s invention became a big success.
Today, there are various types of hot water heaters, including gas, electric, and even tankless, to name a few. Choosing the best hot water heater Rochester NY has to offer will be much simpler after you finish reading this article all about how to decide which one is right for you.
Hot water heater Rochester NY solutions: Gas, electric, or tankless?
When selecting a hot water heater for your home, the first decision you’ll have to make is choosing between gas, electric, or tankless models. You may already know what you want, but if not, here are some insights that can help you decide.
Gas water heaters are a popular choice for their ability to heat water quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for larger households with high hot water demands. That said, they do require proper ventilation and typically have higher upfront installation costs.
Electric water heaters tend to be more affordable and easier to install than gas water heaters. That said, they can take longer to heat water, which can lead to higher utility bills.
Or, if energy efficiency and space savings are high on your priority list, tankless water heaters might be the way to go. These units tend to be more expensive than their tank counterparts. Of course, their true talent lies in that they can heat water on demand which can help homeowners lower their energy costs.
Before deciding, be sure to consider the size of your household, how often you use hot water, and your budget.
Determining the right size of hot water heater
Don’t want to waste energy or money with your hot water heater? We hear you. And we know that choosing the best water heater for your home isn’t something you do every day. Luckily, we do, and we’re here to help!
When speaking to someone about a new water heater, they may ask you about your capacity and flow rate needs. These are both related to the size of hot water heater you may need.
Capacity is measured in gallons for tank water heaters. Flow rate is used for tankless models. For a household of two to three people, a 30-40 gallon tank may be sufficient, while larger families may need a 50-gallon or more to handle peak usage times.
Tankless water heaters measure capacity in terms of gallons per minute (GPM), so it’s important to calculate how much hot water you use at peak times. A home with multiple bathrooms, a dishwasher, and a washing machine running all at once will require a higher GPM to keep up with demand than a house with a single bathroom and no in-house washer.
Remember: a properly sized unit won’t have to work as hard to meet your household’s needs. This can extend its lifespan and even reduce the need for ongoing maintenance or replacement.
Hot water heater brands you can trust
Among the leading brands are Bradford White and AO Smith, the latter of which is often better known by our customers.
At G.T. Plumbing, we’re big advocates of Bradford White. They’re known for their commitment to manufacturing top-quality, American-made products and have built a reputation as a preferred choice among our colleagues.
AO Smith, on the other hand, is a name most of our clients recognize. This is in part thanks to their wide market reach and diverse range of solutions.
Whichever brand you choose, research the model you’re considering to ensure it aligns with the needs of your household.
Ongoing maintenance of your hot water heater
Whether you already have a hot water heater or you’re getting a new one installed, maintaining it is the key to giving it a good, long life. Whether you have a traditional model or a more modern tankless system, routine service may help to extend its lifespan.
Tank water heaters benefit from periodic cleaning to remove sediment buildup, which can impair efficiency and shorten the unit's life. Tankless models, while requiring less frequent maintenance, still need occasional attention to keep the internal components functioning smoothly.
That’s why G.T. Plumbing offers a comprehensive maintenance plan to cover everything from replacing worn-out parts to flushing out your system. So, if you’re looking for a hot water heater Rochester NY, installation or maintenance service, connect with us to learn more!
Final thoughts
Choosing the right type and size of water heater is the first step in maintaining comfort and efficiency in your home. Proper maintenance is also important to help ensure your system lives a long, happy life. With the right balance of research, professional service, and regular care, no doubt that you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a reliable, energy-efficient water heater that meets your household’s unique needs!
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