Water Heater Replacement in Chicagoland
Choosing a new water heater in Chicagoland can seem like an overwhelming task. There are many factors to consider when choosing your new water heater such as:
- Tank-style
- Size
- Fuel type
- Energy efficiency
- Cost
Tank Style
There are two main options for water heaters in Chicagoland today: tankless water heaters and conventional tank heaters.
The traditional tank heater will be installed in a basement or laundry room since the tanks tend to be larger in size. These heaters work by storing hot water in a tank that is pumped to wherever the tap has been turned on in your home. They can vary in efficiency depending on the fuel source (natural gas, oil, electric, propane). This is likely the model installed in your home right now.
A tankless water heater, commonly called an “on-demand” unit, is much smaller than a tank heater. They are hung on the wall which frees up floor space in basements in laundry rooms. They are less expensive to run than traditional tank heaters since they only heat water when you need it. There is no heat loss from water sitting in a tank waiting to be used. These units are easy to adjust and allow for more efficient hot water usage.
Size of Your Tank
This metric applies only if you are installing a conventional tank water heater in Chicagoland. The size of your water heater will be greatly affected by the individual needs of your home. If you have a large home and plan to install a traditional water tank style heater, the amount of people living in the household will determine the size you choose. A household of 1-2 people may only need 23-33 gallon tank, while a family of 5 or more will need a tank capable of holding upwards of 56 gallons. It is important to choose the right size so that your family has hot water shower after shower!
Fuel Type
It is important to know how your tank will be heated. Many water heaters are compatible with a range of fuel types such as electric and natural gas. Some heaters work best with natural gas, while others can be modified to run on solar power. It is important to talk to your water heating specialist about the fuel demands of the model you decide to buy.
Energy Efficiency
Investing in a new water heater will increase the efficiency of your water heating system no matter the option you choose. If your water heater is over 10 years old, an update to your system will immediately improve efficiency. No matter which type you choose for your home, look at the EF rating first. The EF rating determines how efficiently a unit converts energy into heat and how much heat is lost during storage. Tankless on-demand systems are more efficient than conventional tank models overall. They do not lose heat during storage since water is only made when needed- no tank to lose any heat! They can be up to 30% more efficient than the traditional tank unit. These units also tend to be more durable and having a longer lifespan the the holding tank models.
Cost
This consideration will be the most crucial to homeowners installing a water heater in Chicagoland. A new unit is a major investment in your home and quality of life. Choosing a heater that will satisfy your needs while operating in a cost-efficient manner will be critical. It is important to review the different type of models, their efficiency, and maintenance costs in order to choose the right heater. You should work with your local Windy City Rooter water heating technician in order to ensure that the right water heater is being installed.
