Blocked Up: Straightforward Advice About Plumbing Issues

Waking up to little or no hot water in the house is something many people don't like to think about, but it's a problem that can occur at any time. While hot water systems occasionally do have problems, frequent issues could be a sign that a water heater is on its last legs and should be replaced.

If you have seen the signs that it's time to replace your residential water heater and are in the market for a new one, you may be taken aback by the numerous choices available these days. Be guided by the following factors when replacing your home's water heater.

Water Heater Type

Although you have many different types of water heaters to choose from when buying a water heater for your home, all water heaters fall into two general varieties: tank-type and tankless versions.

Tank-based water heaters are the conventional choice for homes. As their name suggests, these water heaters feature a large tank that is used to store hot water. Tankless models, on the other hand, don't include a water storage tank, as they provide you with hot water on demand. This explains why they're sometimes referred to as demand-type water heaters. 

The type of water heater you should choose for your home depends on a variety of factors, including:

• How much hot water you use daily.
• How efficient you want your water heating unit to be.
• How much you can afford to spend on water heater replacement.

Generally, tank-type water heaters are ideal for large households because they can keep up with high hot water demand better than on-demand units. On the downside, they tend to be more costly to run because they keep the water hot even when it's not being used.

Water Heater Fuel Source

Hot water heaters use different fuel types to heat water. The most commonly used fuel options include natural gas, propane, electricity, furnace oil, and solar panels. Each has varying levels of availability in certain areas and regions. 

Depending on where you live, the decision on which fuel source you can use may be made for you. For example, you can't use an electric water heater if you live in a rural home with no electrical connections. 

The fuel source you use for your water heater will also impact the environment in one way or another. So, you should think about the effect any greenhouse emissions your hot water system releases will have on the environment.

Choose a water heater type that will provide enough hot water for your daily household usage in an efficient manner, as that can save you energy and money over the long term. For help with choosing the right hot water heater for your home, contact a hot water replacement service.