At Oliver, we know no one likes to take cold showers or wash their dishes with cold water. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, we can help you find the best one to fit your lifestyle.
Here are some things to consider:
Fuel Types
Before you decide on a water heater, you’ll have to figure out which type of fuel you’re going to use to operate it. The two most common fuel types are electric and gas, and while both can heat water, there are some differences:
Electric
Electric water heaters are available in both storage type and tankless type. They can use one or two heating elements to heat your water and are usually less expensive to install than gas water heaters.
Natural Gas
Unlike electric water heaters, gas water heaters use a burner to heat your water which heats the water much quicker than electric types. These are also available in both storage type and tankless type.
Size
Water heaters come in all different sizes, and which you choose depends on how much space you have to install it and how much hot water you’ll need. When you make an appointment with one of our water heater installation experts, we can help you decide which size water heater size is your best option.
Styles
There are three main styles of water heaters:
Storage
Storage water heaters are the most traditional style of water heater. Once the water is heated, it is stored in an insulated tank and you’ll have access to it whenever you need it. These tanks are available in both electric and gas types.
Tankless
Instead of storing hot water in a tank, tankless water heaters heat water on demand as it passes through a series of coils. This style of heater is smaller than a traditional tank heater, however, it can only deliver a flow rate of approximately 3.5 gallons of water per minute (many homes require a much higher flow rate). This style is also available in both electric and gas.
Indirect
An indirect water heater also requires a storage tank, however, the tank houses a heat exchanger that is attached to you home’s main furnace or boiler. The exchanger then heats water from the furnace or boiler.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of a hot water heater depends on many factors including fuel type, style, how often you use it, and how much water you’re heating at one time. However, in general: geothermal water heaters are the most energy efficient, followed by gas water heaters and then electric.
At Oliver, all of our hot water heaters have at least a 6-year warranty on the tank and parts. We also have high-efficiency models available. For more information, click here or contact one of our water heater installation experts.
