Have you checked your home’s water heater lately? If it is more than a decade old, then you’re living on borrowed time. Generally speaking, traditional water heaters with tanks typically only last about ten years. If yours has been around for longer than that, now is the time to start planning to replace it!
Procrastination can prove costly when it comes to replacing your water heater. Not only is a delayed replacement likely to result in expensive repairs, but you may have to make hasty decisions on which heater fits best for your home without taking the time for proper research. Instead of leaving yourself vulnerable and stressing over an inadequate purchase, replace your water heater now! This way, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit that meets all your needs.
You can trust P. Gagnon & Son for expert water heater installation and service.
As you search for the perfect water heater, energy efficiency should be at the forefront of your decision-making criteria. When it comes to this factor, propane is an unbeatable choice and leaves electric models far behind. With dependable propane delivery from P. Gagnon & Son, your new propane water heater will always have the energy it needs.
Did you know that heating water is the second-biggest energy user in your home after heating and cooling, accounting for about 20% of your total energy costs? With smart choices when selecting a water heater, you’ll start saving money the day it’s installed!
Here are some things to consider when comparing propane and electric water heaters.
Energy factor – If you’re looking to compare the energy efficiency of two water heaters, the Energy Factor score is your go-to statistic. The higher a unit’s Energy Factor rating, the more efficient it will be in terms of energy consumption – and subsequently cost savings! In other words, this figure enables you to accurately assess which water heater may work best for your home.
The Energy Factor number is obtained from a test developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and takes into account heat loss within the heater and its plumbing, and the heater’s capacity to send heat to the water in its tank. The Energy Factor of a propane water heater is often in the range of .5 to .65, whereas electric water heaters have an Energy Factor of around .9.
Although the Energy Factor is an excellent starting point for calculating a water heater’s operational cost, it does not take into account fuel or power costs. Therefore, using only this measure alone may not be enough to accurately assess which water heater is right for you.
Recovery efficiency – The Energy Factor is a measure of the heater’s ability to heat water quickly. Propane water heaters are much more efficient than electric models in terms of recovery rate. This means that a propane heater requires less hot water to stay up with demand, requiring you to employ a smaller tank size than one associated with an electric model. As such, it reduces the amount of energy needed to keep its large volume of stored water hot and cuts down your operating costs significantly!
Moreover, the rate of recovery will impact how long it takes for a tank of water to reheat. Thanks to its remarkable recovery efficiency, propane water heaters allow you to enjoy a hot shower without the long wait that usually follows someone else’s. But if you’re looking for instantaneous hot water with no waiting involved whatsoever, then look no further than a propane tankless system which gives you endless hot water, on-demand!
Fuel and energy costs – Although electric water heaters tend to have a higher Energy Factor, it’s actually more cost-effective to operate a propane one due to the high price of electricity.
Congratulations on selecting propane for your energy source! You now have one more choice to make, and no matter which option you choose, you can rest assured you’ll get incredible comfort while saving significantly on your energy bills.
Tankless water heaters – Making the decision to purchase a propane tankless water heater is an excellent investment that will ensure maximum comfort and energy efficiency in your home.
If you’re searching for ways to save money, upgrading to a propane tankless water heater is an ideal solution. With an average of 20% of your home’s energy costs coming from water heating, cutting back these costs is essential. Investing in a propane tankless water heater can reduce utility bills significantly while also providing you with unlimited hot water whenever necessary. Not to mention that these models are designed and built to last at least two decades! Switching over to this cost-effective solution will not only save energy but money as well.
The propane tankless water heater is compact and highly efficient, making it a great choice for smaller spaces. It’s no bigger than the typical suitcase, so you can easily install it in laundry rooms or closets!
Storage tank water heaters – Propane water heaters with tanks are not only more effective than their electric counterparts, but also provide many other benefits.
When selecting a water heater, energy efficiency and comfort are important to consider; however, your budget is ultimately the deciding factor. Conventional storage water heaters are much less expensive than tankless water heaters to purchase and install, but they still boast remarkable energy efficiency.
Are you ready to replace your home’s water heater? Get a FREE estimate from P. Gagnon & Son!