Posted: May 22, 2023

Efficient oil or gas-powered hot water systems.

When customers ask us when the best time is to install a water heater, we like to say that it’s while your current water heater is still working. The average lifespan of a traditional storage tank water heater is roughly 10 years. If your unit is around that age, it’s a good time to start thinking about a water heater replacement.

If you wait until your current unit fails, you’ll be scrambling to secure the first available replacement to get your hot water working again. A little planning can help you save money in the long and short term.

Factors to consider when choosing a new water heater

South Shore households have more options than ever for keeping their showers steamy and their hot water taps flowing. To narrow down your choices, think about these factors:

• How much hot water do you need? Determine the number of appliances and fixtures in your home requiring hot water. This will help us calculate your peak usage, which determines the necessary storage capacity (for storage tank units) or gallons per minute (for on-demand units).
• Are you using the best energy source to heat your water? There are scenarios when changing fuels could significantly reduce your energy costs.
• How much room is your current hot water system taking up? We might be able to help you reclaim a closet or a section of your garage or basement with a more compact product.

Whether your home uses heating oil, propane or another fuel, we can find the perfect water heater for you. Here are some product types to consider.

Traditional storage tank water heaters

These are the appliances you probably think of when you imagine a water heater. They typically have storage tanks between 30 and 80 gallons. Generally, storage tank models are more affordable, but they’re less efficient and have shorter lifespans than on-demand alternatives.

It’s worth noting that propane water heaters have roughly double the hot water recovery rate (the metric for how many gallons of hot water a unit can produce in one hour) of an electric model. This efficiency can save hundreds of dollars in energy spending each year.

Propane tankless water heaters

Tankless water heaters do not store water for distribution. They produce hot water on demand using a super-hot flame. Our technicians can help you identify a product that matches your home’s peak flow rate.

While tankless water heaters can be pricier than traditional water heaters, they offer fantastic efficiency savings. On-demand systems don’t have standby losses caused by heating and reheating a tank of unused water. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) found that homes with tankless water heaters are up to 34% more energy efficient than homes with storage-tank units.

Even better, tankless water heaters have a much longer life expectancy. Because they don’t have as much contact with corrosive particles in water, they can last over 20 years with proper maintenance.

Indirect-fired water heaters

These heating oil-fired systems use the heat your boiler generates to heat water for your home. Your boiler’s water never comes into contact with the water that goes to your fixtures and appliances. The DOE found that indirect-fired water heaters with high-efficiency boilers and insulated tanks generate some of the least expensive hot water. Also, most indirect-fired units have extended warranties for the original purchaser.

The Frank Lamparelli team can help you choose the best water heater for your home. Contact us today for a free estimate.