A to Z Statewide Plumbing, Inc.

Many factors determine which water heater is best for your Florida home. The pre-screened plumbing professionals that we recommend at A to Z Statewide Plumbing, service and install a full line of water heaters with the latest technologies, from high-capacity traditional tank units to tankless water heaters that deliver a near endless supply of hot water and save energy. This blog post will help you understand the different types of water heaters and the features you should look for. Its easy to feel confident about choosing the perfect hot water heater for your home when you hire one of our local experts. Below are the recommended considerations in choosing a water heater.

Factors to consider in choosing the right water heater

• Fuel – Gas or electric
• Water Storage – Tank or tankless
• Function – Whole house or Point of Use

Water Heater Fuel Types

Most water heaters are fueled by gas or electricity. Refer to the table below to compare the differences between the two.

Gas Water Heater

• Requires a slightly larger up-front investment
• Must be vented outdoors for safety
• Units with sealed combustion or power venting increase safety
• Usually cost less to operate
• Not affected by power outages (tank-style only)

Electric Water Heater

• Generally cost less than gas models
• Easy to maintain
• Requires no combustibles or venting
• Heats water quickly
• Offer high energy factor ratings

Water Storage

Conventional tank water heaters store water in an insulated tank until it is needed. Tankless units do not store water but heat it by running it through coils. Each offer their own unique advantages, and you can compare features and benefits in the table below.

Conventional Tank Water Heater
Stores constantly heated water inside the water heater tank of the unit.

Economical

• Can be positioned in closet, basement or garage
• Capacity ranges from 20 to 80 gallons
• Efficiency varies between models, brands and fuel sources

Tankless Water Heaters

• Heats cold water with a gas burner or electric element as it passes through the water heater
• Require a larger up-front investment
• Hang on wall and frees up floor space
• Excellent option for residences occupied part-time
• Reduce energy consumption by as much as 30%
• Can run out of hot water during heavy usage
• Requires ventilation

Whole House and Point of Use Water Heater Systems

Conventional tank water heaters are whole house systems that send hot water from the tank through the house to the point where you want hot water. Tankless water heaters are typically whole house systems as well, heating water as needed. Whole house systems can provide hot water to more than one fixture at a time. Depending on the size of your home and the number of fixtures, you may need to consider adding additional hot water heating capacity. Point of use systems are individual units that install directly under the sink or in a closet. These systems deliver instant hot water to a specific location. Point of use systems typically augment a whole house system when instant or additional hot water is needed.

If your home or business needs a hot water heater, and you’re not sure what type of heater to choose please contact us at 1-800-930-1123. We’re open 24/7 and serve all over South Florida.