How Do I Choose a New Water Heater?

At Bill Howe Plumbing, we have been installing water heaters in San Diego for over 35 years. Our team of experts are prepared to help customers choose the best water heater for their needs and for an affordable price; that’s why Bill Howe was named San Diego’s Best Plumber by the 2016 Union Tribune Reader’s Poll.

The first thing to consider when choosing the right water heater for your home is whether you want to stay with the same type and size as your current system.

Our customer in San Diego has two tankless water heaters installed on the exterior of the home in San Diego saving space.

The two most common types of water heaters in San Diego are tankless systems and conventional storage tank water heaters.

Tankless water heaters can cost a little more, but can save on energy and provide an endless supply of hot water. they are great if you have teenagers in the home, and need to have hot water at all times. They are also a great choice if you are looking to install a water heater that saves space. Because tankless water heaters heat the water as needed, they do not hold water requiring a large storage tank. Tankless water heaters are best for homes using natural gas, as electrical units can be costly to upgrade current electrical systems in the home.

Conventional storage tank water heaters are the most common water heaters, and can be natural gas, electric, or even propane. Storage tank water heaters do continually heat water as it is used, so can cost more on energy than tankless, but are less expensive to install.

Capacity and Size

Conventional storage water heaters are sized based on gallons, and the majority of residential homes will have anywhere from a 30 gallon to 100 gallon water heater (the larger sizes often for larger homes with high usage of hot water).

More important than size when choosing a water heater is the first hour rating on a storage tank, or the gallons per minute on a tankless system. This will tell you how much water can be heated and delivered over a set period of time. Most 50 gallon water heaters have a first hour rating of approximately 58 gallons.

When replacing your existing tank water heater, it is important to get the correct measurements of the tank. There have been many new developments in water heater manufacturing and most new water heaters are larger than previous models. This is important as many water heaters are located in smaller spaces and must also be on an 18-inch stand.

Code Upgrades

Not only do you have to consider the actual capacity and size of the water heater, you must also consider if it will require additional code upgrades. Water heaters in San Diego have undergone many changes in regulation including the sale of Lo NOx.

Because uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) is always evolving, you may have a current water heater that needs additional work when replaced. Make sure to check with your local plumber so you are aware of any changes, especially if you will be having a home inspection.

Cost

As San Diego’s Best Plumber, we at Bill Howe feel it is important to educate our customers and ensure they are aware of all the aspects of their water heater installation. This is why we offer free on site estimates so that we can tailor each water heater installation to our customer’s unique needs.

Customers should take into account the warranty, code requirements, permits, and efficiency when reviewing water heaters and your estimate. These variables will determine how much your new water heater will cost.

And remember, when you call Bill Howe, you’re not only calling San Diego’s Best Plumber, you’re calling the water heater experts since 1980. Call 1-800 Bill Howe (245-5469) for your free water heater quote today.