When it comes to choosing a new water heater during a Kamloops water heater installation or replacement, you have two main options: gas or electric. But you also have to decide whether you want to go with a traditional tank water heater or opt for a tankless water heater unit. Here are the commercially available options.
Gas Water Heater
When it comes to a hot water tank, you probably picture a traditional gas-powered water heater that's equipped with a large tank and a gas pilot that ignites the burner. Although gas-powered water heaters aren't as energy efficient compared to more modern electric water heaters, they do have their benefits, making them a popular choice for Kamloops water heater replacements and installations.
Propane or gas-powered units are less expensive to install and can last up to 15 years. You typically find a gas-powered unit in many homes. What a gas-powered unit lacks in being energy efficient, it makes up in its affordable upfront cost and comes with the bonus of still having hot water should the power happen to go out. It's a great option when you're looking at a Kamloops water heater replacement or installation.
Electric Hot Water Heater
Electric-powered water heaters work like gas ones, but without the flame or need for gas. You can use them whenever you need hot water—unless the power is out.
Given that electricity tends to be more expensive than gas, electric-powered water heaters tend to be more expensive to run. However, they're relatively inexpensive nowadays and are easily installed by a professional plumber. You do have to keep a careful eye on your utility bills, however, given the costs associated with it in the long run. They're a more energy-efficient model, but cost more to operate in the long term.
Although an electric-powered unit is more energy efficient than its gas-powered alternative, it's also important to note that a gas-powered unit is likely to be less expensive in the long run simply due to the price of gas. However, if you opt for solar power for your home, then it also makes a lot of sense to install an electric water heater, as the solar PV system generates enough power to offset your usage following your Kamloops water heater installation or replacement.
High-Efficiency Hot Water Tank Heaters
When it comes to advancements in technology, the humble water heater has come a long way. Newer, high-efficiency models demonstrate that you can save if you upgrade to a more energy-efficient water heater. If you're looking to upgrade your unit during a Kamloops water heater replacement, then an energy-efficient model might be the option you're looking for.
The majority of energy-efficient models are gas-powered, but there are more efficient electric-powered options available. Upfront, you're looking at a higher price tag for a traditional water tank installation or a hot water tank replacement, but the savings with these models are in the long term following your Kamloops water heater replacement or installation.
Tankless Water Heater Units
There are a couple of different names for tankless water heaters. You might also hear them referred to as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters. They're a great option as they help conserve energy by only heating the amount of water needed at a given time rather than holding a heated tank of water that it will need to maintain at a set temperature throughout the day. This helps to reduce energy consumption and makes them popular choices for a Kamloops water heater installation.
Tankless models are available in both gas- and electric-powered options. Tankless heaters work by heating the water as it passes through either a gas burner or an electric coil element on its way to your faucet.
However, it's important to note that there's a major downside to tankless water heaters. If you have a household that's large and is, say, running a shower and the dishwasher at the same time, then your tankless unit simply isn't going to be able to keep up. They work best for small households with limited hot water demands. So, if you're looking at a Kamloops water heater replacement, this is something to take into account. That said, you can install them at the point of demand, so for larger households, you may want to install at least one on every floor. However, this will be pricier, and you will need to take care of maintaining each unit regardless of its location.
Additionally, tankless units typically require a more expensive upfront investment and higher costs for the associated Kamloops water heater installation services compared to traditional tanks. However, tankless units also have a longer lifespan; they can last twice as long as a traditional water heater and are relatively easy to repair, making them a great option for Kamloops water heater repair.
