A typical hot water heater is responsible for up to 25% of your overall energy cost. Almost all of the hot water heaters available today are more efficient than those was available in years past. However the difference between a normal gas water heater and a high efficiency water heater are considerable. Easily cutting your energy cost in half, a high efficient unit makes sense for any family who plans to stay in their home. Not to mention a great selling point to anyone who may have concerns about the increased cost to maintain a larger house.
Gas Water Heaters
A gas water heater is usually the first choice for most plumbers when it comes time to replace a water heater. The average household will have either a 40 or 50 gallon tank to provide hot water to the house. There number of models available have really exploded in recent years. We are spending more on the energy required to heat the water in our homes. You don’t have to go tankless to have a high efficient water heater. Bradford White has many models including the TTW Power Vent that uses a heat exchanger to increase the unit’s efficiency. This will add to the initial cost of installing a water heater but will payoff in under two years. As of April 1, 2013 all new homes are required to have a power vent hot water heater. The flue size for a power vent hot water heater is 4″ and a standard water heater is only 3″. This can cause some conflicts so it’s important to have a professional check the conditions.
Electric Water Heaters
The only time that our plumbers use or recommend an electric water heater is when the house does not have a way to supply or to vent the gas. In some older houses the chimney may not be functional or properly sized in which case an electric water heater would be your cheapest install, at least in the short term. An electric water heater is not as efficient as a gas fired unit. Even if your house runs on propane an electric water heater would not be the most efficient means of heating your water.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have slowly taken over a portion of the water heater market. They have their place in both residential and commercial applications. Usually those projects where space in a concern. A tankless water heater will also provide a continuous supply of how water. This is especially critical in establishments that use large amounts of hot water throughout the day.
Hybrid Electric Water Heaters
A hybrid electric hot water heater uses a heat pump for better use of the electricity. It’s actually twice as efficient as a standard electric. The initial cost is sometimes around $600 more, but that cost could be recouped in as little as one year if you use enough water. Most of the higher dollar tanks have a longer warranty than the base line models and are expected to hold up for years longer.
Hybrid Electric may become the new electric. The technology of a Hybrid Electric uses a heat pump to warm the water more effectively. In fact, it is twice as efficient as a standart electric water heater. Your initial cost
KC Plumber Pro is a licensed plumbing contractor out of Overland Park that specializes in the installation of water heaters. There are several different brands and types of water heaters that can be installed. Water Heaters have changed dramatically over the last ten years due to the increased cost to heat our water. They are now more than ever geared towards being as efficient as possible. Of coarse, with the increased efficiency comes a higher initial cost for purchase.
The most popular water heater on the market today is still very similar to the older water heaters that have been installed. A 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater with a standard vent is the most popular unit we install. There is also the
We can install a top of the line Bradford White Water Heaters for a very competitive price. For years now they have made the best Water Heater on the market. That’s why we a comfortable offering an industry leading guarantee if ever your tank should fail. The last thing you want, is to pay for the install twice because of a faulty tank. If you are experiencing troubles with your water heater give us a call and we can troubleshoot your problem. KC Plumber Pro is licensed as a Plumbing contractor and is experienced in all phases of residential plumbing. We can inspect your current plumbing system to ensure everything is up to current code. We can also make recommendations including PRV and expansion tank installation along with your new Water Heater.
