Two of the most common types of residential water heaters are conventional storage tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters have become popular over the past few years with homeowners due to their ability to serve hot water instantly and their energy efficient capabilities. Both of these types of water heaters are whole home systems that are able to supply hot water to all fixtures in the home.

When it comes to the cost of electricity per month, water heaters can account for anywhere between fifteen percent or more. When you are looking for a new water heater, picking out the right type and energy source for your home is a critical decision. The efficiency of the hot water heater will vary from manufacturer to manufacture, model and of course whether it is electrical or gas-operated.

Storage Tank Water Heaters

The type of hot water heater that is most commonly found in homes across the United States is the storage tank water heater. It is able to store large amounts of water and keep it heated until it is needed. When it comes to installation costs only a small initial amount will be needed, however, the monthly costs for storage tank hot water heaters is not that efficient.  Storage tank water heaters come in different types in regards to energy sources. Those sources are electric, natural gas or propane.  Since hot water heaters can be installed in multiple areas around the home such as the garage, a basement, a closet, or even an attic, there are multiple styles as well as capacities that can be chosen. Residential storage tank hot water heaters will vary in capacity size from anywhere between 20 to 80 gallons.

If you live by yourself or with one other person then typically a 20 – 30 gallon tank will be adequate. If there are more than 2 but less than 4 people in the household then a 40 gallon tank is recommended and if there are more than 3 but 5 or less in the home then 50 gallons should do the trick. Large households that have more than 5 people should look into at least 60 gallon tanks if not more.

Shapes and Styles of Storage Tank Hot Water Heaters

Short tank styles have a wider girth but are shorter in height. These type of tank hot water heaters are great for placing underneath cabinets or below shelving in utility rooms.

Medium tank style hot water heaters are smaller in girth but are taller in height than short tanks. These are the most common type of water heaters found in most homes. They are ideal for locations with adequate space such as garages, utility rooms and basements.

Tall tank style hot water heaters are taller and thinner than the medium style heaters. These type of hot water heaters are ideal for tight confined spaces such as closets, small utility rooms or in small garages.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless hot water heaters are trending with homeowners and are especially popular with condo owners or smaller households. Tankless hot water heaters heat water on demand. They can either be powered by natural gas, propane or electric. Unlike tank systems the tankless water heater will require a larger up front investment that will be recovered in due time thanks to the energy efficiency of tankless water heaters. Tankless systems can save up to 30% or even more on monthly energy costs that are related to heating water in the home.

Tankless hot water heaters are compact systems that can be easily mounted on outside walls, in a garage or even a utility closet. Some systems come equipped with waterproof remote controls. Which will allow the user to adjust the temperatures as needed. This can be useful in households that require hotter temperatures when washing dishes, yet lower temperatures when taking a long hot bath.

In order to figure out the exact size that you will need you will need to calculate the maximum amount of hot water that the home utilizes at the same time. This is more commonly known as the flow rate. The flow rate will determine how many fixtures can be expected to be in use at the same time. If you need assistance you can contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and we will be more than happy to help you determine the correct flow rate that will be required to properly size the tankless water heater for your home.

Other Water Heating Options

There are other hot water heater options that are available for residential homes. These options are hybrid systems that make use of elements of the storage tank design with the added addition of a heat pump in order to help increase efficiency and production of hot water. Another type is a point of use system. These POS water heaters are much smaller and as the name implies they are used in point of use locations such as the kitchen faucet or for a bathroom that is too far away from the whole house tankless system.

About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, TX

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, TX provides professional plumbing in Arlington, TX servicing Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Our experienced, courteous and friendly plumbers provide on time plumbing related services to not only Arlington but surrounding areas also. If you are in need of a professional plumber that you can count on for plumbing repairs, maintenance and / or installation then you can count on us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas.

Ben Franklin Plumbing is a leader in the field for plumbing related repairs. We are also one of the most trusted plumbing service brands in the industry with high standards of service that you can rely on. When you contact us you can rest assured knowing that you are receiving the best plumbing in Arlington, Texas. Our commitment to service and excellence is reflected in our stone solid A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. If you have a plumbing related problem in your home or business and you need help, do not hesitate to contact us today. Our professional, courteous and friendly plumbers will be more than happy to assist you and answer any of your questions and schedule an appointment with you to assess the plumbing related problem and resolve it at your earliest convenience. Give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas a call today if you are looking for professional plumbing in Arlington, Texas. If there’s any delay, it’s you we pay.®