Conventional Water Heaters
Sherman TX Plumbers Install & Maintain Hot Water Heaters
Hot water seems like such a simple thing, but it is an integral part of daily life. It is one modern convenience you notice as soon as it's not there! Spencer Sherman TX plumbers are here to keep anything from interrupting your unlimited supply of hot water.
Whether you use hot water in your home to cook, clean or bathe, that heated water usually comes from a water heater. The two most popular domestic water heaters are conventional (tank) water heaters and tankless (also known as demand or instantaneous) water heaters.
Conventional Tank Water Heaters
Some water heaters in existing Sherman homes are tank water heaters. These water heaters keep a cylindrical tank full of hot water at all times. The typical sizes for household tank water heaters are between 20 and 100 gallons. Our plumbing technicians have worked on conventional tanks powered with electricity, natural gas, propane, oil, solar or geothermal power.
Electric Water Heaters
The typical electric water heater is wired to a 220-volt circuit. To heat the water, the current passes through electrical-resistance heating elements—usually two. Power is delivered to each element through a thermostat that can be set to the optimum hot water temperature. Some Sherman area residents set their hot water heaters as low as 120 degrees F for energy savings, while others prefer water heated up to 140 degrees F.
Gas-Fired Water Heaters
An alternative to electric water heaters is gas fired, using natural gas or propane. Instead of electrical-resistance elements, gas-fired water heaters have a burner, gas control valve and a thermostat switch. Gas-fired heaters heat the tank, so there can be more wear and tear on the tank than with electric heat. A gas-fired heater may have a shorter life expectancy than an electric water heater.
Solar Water Heaters
For some areas, solar powered water heaters are used. Their solar collectors are installed outside the home, typically on the roof or nearby. A storage tank is placed indoors or out to collect the heated water. Circulation is caused by natural convection or by a small electric pump. When it's dark, circulation through the panel can be stopped by closing a valve and/or stopping the circulating pump, to keep hot water in the storage tank from cooling. Depending on the local climate, freeze protection, as well as prevention of overheating, must be addressed in the design, installation, and operation of the water heater.
How to Choose a Water Heater
When selecting the best type and model of water heater for your home, our helpful local plumber can help you consider the following essential points:
- Fuel type, availability and cost - The fuel type or energy source you use for water heating affects your water heater's annual operation costs as well as its size and energy efficiency.
- Size - To provide your household with enough hot water with minimal wait time, you need a properly sized water heater.
- Energy efficiency - To maximize your energy and cost savings, ask how energy efficient a water heater is before you purchase it.
- Cost - Before you purchase a water heater, estimate its annual operating costs and compare those costs with other models in your price range.
Our experienced Spencer plumbers look forward to solving all your plumbing repair, installation and service needs. Contact a Sherman Texas plumber online, or call (972) 924-9505 or (903) 207-4102 any time!