Homeowners looking to install plumbing fixtures and systems are usually looking for something more efficient, ecofriendly, and cost-effective. Whether you’re looking for a new shower head or water heater, Best Plumbing can provide the knowledge and expertise to find the best option for you and your home. Today we want to talk about tankless water heaters and how to know what to look for.

Why Tankless?

Unlike standard water heaters, tankless water heaters work on demand. So, instead of a large tank in your garage or tucked away in your home that is constantly working to heat the available water, tankless water heaters will only turn on when needed. This helps avoid the energy waste of keeping multiple gallons of water warmed and also ensures that you will never run out of hot water! Furthermore, tankless water heaters are much more compact and great for homes of all sizes.

Which is right for me?

Speaking of size, this is an important distinction to make when finding a tankless unit for you. Depending on the size of your home, you may have to upgrade to a larger heater to meet the demand of hot water for everyone you live with.

Larger units are more expensive up front and can cost more to operate, so be sure to ask the experts what they think is necessary for you to ensure you’re not overpaying for a new water heater. Based on typical flow rates of fixtures and the average water usage in your home, Best Plumbing will be able to suggest the perfect system to meet your unique needs.

Ready to get started?

So are we! Best Plumbing proudly serves the greater Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Renton, and everywhere in between. During these challenging times, our team is taking extra precautions to keep our community safe and healthy. Call us at 206-633-1700 to learn more about our social distancing and no-contact installations or contact us online here.

Photo Credit: ®omiksemaj. Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

While summer is around the corner and we won’t be needing our heaters for a little while longer, Best Plumbing wants every homeowner to be prepared for the cold months before they arrive. There are many types of heating systems that you can invest in, but today we’d like to teach you more about radiant heating and how it works.

What is it?

Radiant floor heating is a method of heating your home that uses electric coils or water-heated pipes beneath floor boards to provide warmth throughout a room rather than from a heating unit. This allows heat to be distributed and radiate from the floor up.

Where can I install it?

This type of heating works for any room in your home. It is a popular choice for bathrooms where floors are typically tile and colder underfoot. However, it is also a good choice for bedrooms and living rooms.

What are the benefits?

Beyond the added comfort as you walk around your home, radiant heating can also be a more efficient heater than traditional forced-air systems. Efficiency is better for the carbon footprint of your home as well as the utility costs you accrue each month. If you are looking to save money and install an eco-friendly heater in your home, ask us more about radiant heating.

Are there any downsides?

Depending on the style of your floors and size of room, radiant heating can be expensive to install and operate. However, we can recommend complementary floor styles that work well with radiant heat.

What is the difference between Hydronic and Electric systems?

The two main types of radiant heating systems are Hydronic and Electric which rely on water-heated tubes or electrical coils, respectively, beneath a subfloor. Hydronic systems can link to the water heater you use for the rest of your home and you do not need another tank to supply the home’s heat. Electric radiant heat is easier to install, but is better for smaller spaces.

How do I get started?

Contact the team at Best Plumbing today to learn more about radiant heating for your home! We proudly serve greater Seattle, Everett, and the East Side.

Is it time to replace your water heater? If so, you may want to consider switching to a tankless heater – they offer significant energy savings as well as easy maintenance. However, it’s also important to understand that tankless water heaters don’t work in every home, so if you’re considering a switch, you may want to consult the Best Plumbing team first. Here are a few factors that may guide your decision.

Pros of a Tankless Water Heater

Regardless of whether you choose a gas-fired or electric tankless water heater, you’ll likely save on energy costs. Tankless heaters are compact, so they’re great for small spaces. Plus, they last longer and typically have longer warranties (often around 15 years, as compared to six for a traditional water heater). And if you’re trying to go green, you should also know that tankless water heaters are better for the environment because you won’t have to dispose of a rusty tank later on.

Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

The biggest deterrent for tankless water heaters is the price. Not only are the heaters themselves considerably more expensive than traditional tank versions, but they may also require additional expense to install. If you choose an electric tankless water heater, you may need to hire an electrician to ensure that your home’s electrical system is updated. If you choose a gas-fired tankless water heater, you’ll need to make sure that it is vented. Either way, you will likely need a professional to help install your new tankless water heater.

Not sure if a tankless water heater is right for your Seattle home? Contact Best Plumbing! We can help evaluate your current water heater situation and determine whether you could benefit from a tankless heater (and if so, which kind!). If you already know that you want to make the switch, we can also help you install a new tankless water heater in your home. We proudly serve the greater Seattle area.