Gaithersburg is a small city in Maryland State with a population of 67,742. The city experiences a chilling winter, with the possibility of temperatures dropping to -3°C. For the residents of the city, hot water has become a necessity in the winter season, and many people like facilities to deliver hot water on demand in their homes. The ability to get hot water in a few minutes can be convenient and comforting during bleak weather.
This is why a water heater is an essential household appliance for Gaithersburg residents. Here are a few guidelines and tips for choosing the perfect water heater for your home.
Types of Water Heaters
You have several types of water heaters to select from. Some of the popular options are:
- Conventional storage water heater– this traditional form of water heater has a ready hot water reservoir that can be useful for everyday use. It comes with a storage tank of different capacities. You can consult an expert in Gaithersburg plumbing services to select the right capacity storage water heater for your family. A water heater is not helpful if it does not have adequate capacity to meet your family’s needs. You need to consider your hot water requirements when selecting the right capacity water heater for the entire day.
- Tankless water heater– these heaters are also known as on-demand water heaters. As the name indicates, they do not have any storage tanks. This type of water heater heats water while in use and, therefore provides instant hot water.
- Solar water heaters– these water heaters use the sun’s heat to provide hot water. However, they might not be helpful in winter when there is very little sunlight during the day. However, as per recent data, Gaithersburg city has around 202 sunny days in a year. Hence, a solar heater might be a good option for your home.
Fuel Types
Water heaters are generally powered by electricity, gas, or solar. As per recent data, the average electricity rate in Gaithersburg city is around 12.98¢ per kWh. Also, the average electricity bill of a Gaithersburg household is around $157.
When selecting a water heater for your home, it is important to consider the availability of fuel types and compare their rates. The energy rates and the size of the heater will determine the operating cost of the water heater. Hence, before purchasing the device, it is recommended to consult an expert in Gaithersburg plumbing services while choosing the right water heater.
Energy Efficiency
Energy costs are the primary expense of owning a water heater. In order to maximize energy and cost savings, it is important to look for energy-efficient water heaters for your home. The US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy run an Energy Star program that evaluates electrical appliances for energy efficiency.
The water heater product label or the brochure will mention the device’s energy consumption and will also have an Energy Star rating. As per experts, you need to look at the energy star rating of the product and select the most energy-efficient product for the home.
You may find energy-efficient products comparatively expensive. However, if you think long-term, it helps save you a lot of money in lower energy bills.
Cost
When you go to purchase a water heater for your home, it is wise to have a budget in mind. It means you know the maximum amount you are willing to spend on the new purchase.
You can share with the salesperson about your hot water requirements and mention your budget. This will help the salesperson to show water heater models that fit your budget and meet your hot water requirements.
To sum up, these are things to keep in mind when purchasing a water heater for your home.
