When you are buying a water heater, the main goal is to make sure your family always has enough hot water when they need it. If the heater is too small or too big, you will either run out of hot water or waste money heating water you aren’t even using.
Below, this water heater replacement company in Highwood, Illinois is going to explain everything you’ll need to know to make the best choice for your household.
Look at your household’s busy times.
Consider the times of day when your family uses hot water the most. For many homes, mornings can be busy with showers and dishes while evenings are spent on laundry and baths.
To handle this demand, your water heater should have a “first hour rating” that is equal to or higher than your busiest hour of hot water use. That first hour rating tells you how much hot water your heater can give you in the first hour when it starts with a full tank.
When you talk to a professional water heater replacement company in Highwood, Illinois, they will ask you questions about what your typical day looks like. This is how they can match the heater size to your real-life needs.
Tank size is not everything.
Many people assume that a 50-gallon tank will give them 50 gallons of hot water immediately. But the actual amount of hot water you get depends on how fast the heater can reheat water after some of it is used. Even with a large tank, you will still run out of hot water if the heater can’t reheat quickly enough.
The first hour rating is still the most accurate number to look at when comparing different heaters. This number factors in the tank’s size, whether the heater runs on gas or electricity, and how strong the heating element is inside.
Pay attention to your fixtures.
Some homes have large tubs or showers with multiple showerheads. These use more hot water than a standard bathroom and can drain a smaller water heater in just a few minutes. If your water heater is too small, it is not going to last long with those.
Other homes have more efficient fixtures like low-flow showerheads and water-saving appliances.
A professional water heater replacement company will take all of this into account. They can then recommend a heater that will not run out of hot water too fast when you are using your fixtures.
Plan for what’s ahead.
Your life might not stay the same, and neither will your hot water needs. For example, your kids may be small now, but as they grow, they will probably take longer showers or use more water in general.
You might also do home updates someday, like finishing your basement or adding another bathroom. That will also increase your household’s demand for hot water.
A water heater replacement company will assess both your current needs and potential future changes, then recommend the best option for you. You will get something that you don’t have to replace again too soon.
Consider the weather.
In the winter, the water entering your home is much colder than it is in the summer, so your heater must work harder to get the water up to the right temperature. This extra effort can affect both the size and the energy efficiency of the heater you need. For example, if you live in a cold climate, you may need something with more power or more energy efficiency.
A local water heater replacement company in Highwood, Illinois will consider how the seasons affect hot water usage. They will then help you choose a system that performs well throughout the year, so you don’t run out of hot water in the coldest months.
Looking for a Water Heater Replacement Company in Highwood, Illinois?
If you are looking for a water heater that matches your family’s needs, John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can help. As the top-rated water heater replacement company in Highwood, Illinois, we can explain your options and install a system that gives you the comfort and efficiency you are looking for. Contact us today at 847-864-5225 to begin the process.
