Running out of hot water is rarely a pleasant experience. Sometimes it’s just a matter of poor timing (for example, starting a load of laundry when someone’s in the shower). However, if you notice that hot water shortages are occurring more frequently, it could be time for a new water heater.
The Price of Hot Water
The two main causes for running out of hot water are either because your current tank isn’t large enough to support demand, or because your water heater is wearing out. In either case, it’s a good idea to research newer models since you could benefit from increased energy efficiency. Another benefit is that newer water heaters can include monitoring systems to catch potential issues in order to keep operating at peak efficiency. You can determine the potential savings of different models by using this calculator available from the Department of Energy. Making sure that you have the right water heater system could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
New Ways to Turn Up the Heat
With advances in plumbing technology, there are now a variety of new water heater systems to meet your needs. Some alternatives to the traditional storage tank model include:
- Tankless water heaters—this system uses a heat exchanger to warm up water on demand as soon as you turn on the hot water tap. Therefore, when you turn off the hot water, the system immediately stops heating the water, saving you money on energy bills.
- Hybrid electric water heaters—this nifty system acts like a refrigerator in reverse. A heat pump pulls and concentrates warmth from the surrounding air and shoots it into the bottom of the tank to generate hot water.
- Solar hot water heaters—despite what you might think, solar water heaters are a viable option in the Seattle area. There are a number of different configurations, depending on your needs. Some systems work by heating the water directly using solar energy; other systems use a heat exchanger to transfer solar heat to the water supply.
The experts at Best Plumbing are available to answer all your water heater questions. Give us a call at (206) 208-0429 and set up a consultation! We’ll help you figure out a new water heater system to meet your needs and improve energy savings. We proudly serve Seattle, the East Side, and communities throughout King County.
