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Choosing a Hot Water Heater

Plumbing Services in Fort Worth & Arlington, TX

The energy efficiency of hot water heaters has received an upgrade in the past few years, with a wide variability between the various types and models. The average life expectancy of a typical hot water heater is 8-13 years, depending on whether or not routine maintenance being provided, and your areas water chemistry. With the water heater being the home’s second largest consumer of energy, it is logical to choose an energy efficient model that saves you money. Contact a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumber in Fort Worth, TX today to schedule water heater installation or replacement.

Electric Versus Gas

First, you have the decision of whether to buy an electric or gas water heater. If you are replacing an existing water heater, you will likely go with the same energy source. However, you can certainly change from gas to electric and vice versa. Talk to a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth about the requirements for changing the energy source.

So just which is better, electric or gas?

In many parts of the U.S. natural gas is the economical choice. It is typically three times cheaper to heat water with natural gas than electricity. However, if propane gas is the only option it is not a cost effective solution in many areas.

If you already have natural gas available in your home, but have an electric hot water heater it may save you money  to contact a plumber in Fort Worth for gas line installation to a gas water heater. A gas water heater is not only typically more efficient, it heats water 65% faster than electric water heaters. This is known as its recovery rate, and gas is the winner in the category.

The downside, assuming natural gas is available for you to use, is it will cost slightly more than electric initially, and will include the installation of a gas line and exhaust ventilation. However, the energy and money you will save will more than compensate for the slightly higher initial cost.

Electric Water Heaters

Many persons prefer an electric water heater. Common reasons include:

Safety is why many homeowners will only use electric water heaters, due to the inherent risks of gas. An addiitonal reason is the lower cost of an electric water heater,  and its installation. In addition, they are easier to install than a gas water heater. An electric water heater only requires water and electricity to operate. While they cost more to produce hot water, timers can lower those costs, especially if they operate during off-peak hours. Contact a Ben Franklin plumber in Fort Worth for water heater installation.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, provide hot water when you need it without a storage tank. Tankless units use gas or electricity, and both require an electrical connection for the digital display. A gas tankless water heater can cut your cost to produce hot water by 24% to 35% according to the U. S. Department of Energy. The savings are due to the elimination of standby energy use, the cost of keeping water hot in a conventional water heater with a tank.

Tankless units aren’t always the best option, especially for large households. A large family may require more than one tankless water heater to meet your family’s needs. Furthermore, electric models are not as efficient as gas tankless units, and this is why only the gas tankless water heater has earned Energy Star approval. A Ben Franklin  plumber in Fort Worth can assist you in assessing your needs and providing you with the information you require to make an informed choice.

In addition, the gas tankless water heater will require exhaust ventilation, and can require replacing your existing gas water heater ventilation with potentially specialized venting for the tankless unit. A Ben Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can provide a reliable installation of the water heater of your choice.

Gas water heater installation requires a qualified, licensed plumber. All gas pipes, fittings and connections must be properly installed and tested with gas leak detection.  Only a gas certified plumber in Fort Worth can provide gas water heater installation for your Fort Worth home.

Tankless water heaters outlast the conventional tank style water heater. The tankless will serve you well an average of 20 years with the recommended maintenance. Conventional water heaters average a lifespan of 8 to 13 years. This is in part due to the high quality materials used in the tankless. It is also due to the tendency of the tank water heater to corrode, especially in areas with hard water.

About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Fort Worth & Arlington

If you need water heater installation or replacement, contact a Benjamin Franklin Plumber plumber in Fort Worth to schedule services. We also offer a wide range of plumbing services, including installation, maintenance and plumbing repair. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Arlington, Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. Our plumbers offer  experience and expertise for your plumbing needs. We go the extra mile in order to provide our customers with superb plumbing services and ensure customer satisfaction. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas is a member of the BBB and has a rock solid A+ rating.