How to choose an electric hot Water Heater?
An electric water heater is a workhorse appliance that can account for up to one-third of the energy used in your home. It provides ample hot water for your family and has a quiet operation. Whether tank or tankless, water heaters will have an impact on your home's comfort and cost. When replacing an existing unit, it is important to choose the type and size that is most efficient.
- The Types of Water Heaters
- Water Tank Capacity
- Size of Water Heaters
- Common Water Heater Problems
- Installation
The Types of Water Heaters
Tank
Storage tank water heaters are the most common type. The water that is cold runs into the tank and after an electrical element heats up the water in the tank, it remains hot until you draw it out through your home’s plumbing system. The cold water then enters the tank to start this heating cycle all over again.
Tankless
Tankless water heaters can help you save energy. They will automatically heat the water as you need it, instead of lets say an electric heater that consumes more electricity than necessary if you don’t use the hot water. However, tankless units may not be sufficient for your needs in terms of water volume, or you need to buy a more power one.
Water Tank Capacity
When you are purchasing a water heater, make sure that it is big enough to meet your needs. If the tank capacity is too small, it may wear down quicker due to overuse. To find out how many gallons your tank should be, think about the number of people in your home as well as the number of bathrooms. Once you gather this information, you can select a water heater ranging from 20-80 gallons.
The size of a tankless water heater is based on the flow rate, which is measured by gallons per minute. Factor in the GPM rate of each fixture that the tankless heater serves to determine how large it needs to be. If a small bathroom has one sink and a low-flow shower, it will use 1.5 GPM for the sink and 2 GPM for a low-flow showerhead, measured according to industry standards. That means you need a tankless water heater capable of providing at least 3.5 GPM. When the tankless water heater serves your washer as well, add another 3 GPM, so now you need 7.5 GPM handled by your tankless water heater.
Size of Water Heaters
After determining the capacity you require, look for a water heater that can fit in the space you have available. Some tanks are tall and narrow, while others are short and squat, so only look to purchase the one that is best suited to your needs while considering its other features.
Common Water Heater Problems
--Too little or no hot water at all can signify problems with the pilot light or a faulty thermocouple;
--Smelly water. Can result from bacteria infestation. To keep the water clean and bacteria-free, the water temperature should always remain between 55-60 ℃;
--Noisy water tank. Can result from burning sediment on the bottom of your water heater. Another common problem might be a damaged heating element;
--Leakage. Unfortunately, once you see your appliance leaking, you need to plan a visit from a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Act as soon as you see signs of a leaking tank;
