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Posts Tagged ‘Hot Water Heaters’

Water Heater Options to Consider in Eugene

Monday, October 29th, 2012

In Eugene, a hot shower is a great way to ease yourself into your morning routine. Your water heater is the wonderful appliance that delivers that warm water to your shower every morning. If you’re looking to replace your water heater or if you’re buying a new water heater for a new home, it’s an important choice to make. We’ve put together some of important factors that people should consider as they start the process of buying a new water heater.

Fuel

This is one of the most important factors in choosing a water heater. Water heaters typically use electricity or gas, although there are solar options as well. The easiest option is get a water heater that uses the same fuel as the one before it. But if you’re interested in switching fuels, either for price reasons or environmental, you should definitely consult with a Eugene heating or plumbing company about the availability of certain fuels and the conversion cost. Here are some considerations for each fuel.

  • Electricity – Generally cheaper up front than gas. Requires no combustion or ventilation. Is energy efficient and heats water very quickly.
  • Gas – Cost less to operate but larger up front cost. Must have a flue to vent fumes. If you have a large propane tank, you won’t be affected by power outages.

Water Storage

There are tank and tankless water heaters and each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Consult your heating contractor or plumber for advice on which is right for your home in Eugene.

  • Tank water heater – A large concern with these models is that you can run out of hot water. Below we discuss capacity issues. They can be economical depending on which brand you get.
  • Tankless – Requires large up-front cost. Hangs on wall to increase available floor space. Requires venting. Reduces energy consumption by up to 30%. Good option for part-time residences.

Tank Capacity

Regardless of whether you choose a tank or tankless model, you’ll have to choose which size you need for your home. For tankless water heaters the size is based on a flow rate which is measured in gallons per minute. For tank water heaters, the capacity is measured in gallons. Consult with your local plumber or contractor to determine which size will accommodate your needs.

Water Heater Dimensions

One final consideration is the physical size of your water heater. Use a measuring tape to determine the size of your current system. If you’re replacing it because it’s too small, make sure you have enough space for your new, larger water heater. If you’re going tankless, make sure the wall location has easy access to ventilation.

If you have any questions about your water heater or replacing it with a new one, call the experts at Comfort Flow. We have years of experience working with customers in Eugene and can do the same for you.

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Eugene OR Water Heater Tip: Choosing the Right Water Heater

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Choosing the right water heater for your Eugene OR home can be tough decision, given all the different models that are designed to provide better efficiency and a constant supply of hot water. Regardless of the model you choose, always hire a professional to install a new water heater. Because of the advanced technology used to run high-efficiency equipment, only a certified technician should make any repairs to the unit as well.

The expert technicians at Comfort Flow are trained to install, repair and maintain water heaters throughout the service area. Call today if you would like to know more about how to choose the right water heater. Here is a comparison of the two main types to get you started.

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters save energy by heating the water directly as it goes to the application, such as a dishwasher or shower. This saves energy because there’s no need to keep an entire tank of water heated at all times. In addition, tankless models can work with your existing heating system to save even more energy during the winter.

Before installing a tankless water heater for you, your technician will need to make sure you get the right size for your home and water heating needs. You can also install individual units that are matched for a specific application that uses a lot of hot water, such as a washing machine, so that your main tankless unit will be more effective. Our professional technicians can help you select the right model and size to match your hot water usage needs.

Tank Water Heaters

Even though tank water heaters may not be as efficient as tankless, there have been many improvements in technology in recent years that have improved their efficiency. Finding the proper size and type will depend on several variables, including flow rate calculations for all the hot water applications in the home. Our technicians are trained to help you make these calculations and determine the right size for your home.

When you call Comfort Flow, one of our plumbing experts will set up an appointment with you to go over your options and find the right water heater for your Eugene OR home. We are always glad to answer any questions, so give us a call any time. For repairs and maintenance services, call today to schedule an appointment.

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