We often take water heaters for granted, as long as we have hot waters for showers. But the moment that the water goes cold, the reliance becomes apparent. Water heaters perform their duty for many years, often out of sight, out of mind. So it’s hard to tell when water heaters in Memphis TN need replaced. Most water heaters have a lifespan of seven to ten years. They may start to take a longer amount of time to heat water, or you may see a wet spot near the floor where it is stored.
Water heaters have advanced in the last few years. As such, when an old model is replaced, it often saves money for fuel bills. This is because manufacturers have made better, energy-efficient models. These are insulated better and can keep a tank of water hot, for a longer time than their predecessors could. Most people choose these conventional water tank models. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. When you decide to buy, consider the amount of hot water that you use. You may need a larger capacity than your old model tank provided.
The fuel type also has a bearing in your selection. Water heaters are notoriously huge consumers of electric in your home, with estimates places them as high as twenty percent of the energy expenditure. So, you want to be choosy in the fuel source. Electric may be the most common, but if gas is available, it may be cheaper to use. Plus, it has the advantage of being available in an electrical outage situation. The models are all rated for energy-efficiency. The labels will give an estimate for the annual cost to run the appliance.
Some homeowners may be interested in having a new tank-less water heater installed. These heat the water as it is being used, so you’ll never run out. The initial cost of this type of hot water heater is higher, and you’re unlikely to recover its cost in energy savings. However, people enjoy the benefit of on-demand hot water, so you should decide if that is worth the added cost to you.