The Ultimate Water Heater Guide

Every home needs a water heating mechanism, whether a boiler or a dedicated water heater. This equipment provides a crucial function to your property, and issues with your water heater constitute an emergency.

Have you been told it’s time for a new system? Or perhaps you’re looking to buy a water heater for a new property? The Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical team has all the details you need to make a good water heating choice for your home or business.

Choosing the Type of Water Heater

Due to modern technological advances, you can choose from many water heaters. We will focus less on the fuel types and more on the different water heater parts and traits.

Storage/Tank-Type Water Heaters

From 1868 onward, water heaters had a storage tank that collected and heated specific amounts of water. This type of system uses a heating element fueled by electricity, gas, or another heat-producing material for water heating. 

• Pros: More affordable; many technicians experienced with repairs

• Cons: Need more space; limited amount of water,  less energy-efficient

Tankless Water Heaters

First invented in 1929, tankless heaters use gas or electricity to heat coils through which water flows. It immediately produces hot water on an as-needed basis rather than storing it.

• Pros: Takes up less space; a nearly endless supply of hot water, more energy-efficient

• Cons: Best for smaller properties; higher purchase, installation, and maintenance costs

Point-Of-Use Water Heaters

Does your shower or kitchen sink run out of hot water too quickly, but you don’t want a new system? A point-of-use water heater works similarly to a tank type but is much smaller.

• Pros: Provides consistent hot water for a single appliance; cheaper cost

• Cons: Less energy-efficient; could distract from waterline issues

Tanked Hybrid Water Heaters

This system works like another version of the tank type, but it heats water like a heat pump provides warm air. Instead of using a specific fuel, the system gathers heat energy from the air or ground to heat the water.

• Pros: Lower energy bills; much more energy efficient than the conventional tank

• Cons: Requires more space than conventional tanks; more expensive to install and repair

Ask us about more types of water heaters if you feel none of these options suit your property.

How to Size a Tank Heater

If you choose a tank-type or hybrid water heater, one of the potential downsides is the limited tank space. To size your water heater tank, you should consider several aspects of your property and household, including its location, size, the amount of water you use for daily duties, and the hours your household is most active.

Calculate the most water-active hour of the day. Note the duties your household does at the same time and estimate how much water that uses. Once you find that amount, compare it to available tank sizes.

For example, two people take a seven-minute shower, brush their teeth, and turn on their old dishwasher first thing in the morning. They’ve calculated that it takes up about 56 gallons in one sitting, so they need a tank that can accommodate that.

To get you started, here’s how much water the typical household uses for these daily activities. Keep in mind, the older an appliance is, the more water it likely uses.

• Toilets: 1.6 to 4 gallons per flush

• Showers: 2 to 5 gallons per minute

• Dishwashers: 6 to 16 gallons per cycle

• Clothing washers: 25 to 40 gallons per load

• Bathroom faucets: 1 to 2 gallons per minute

Choose the Best Water Heater with Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical!

The technicians at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical have over 60 years of experience with Texas water heaters. From choosing a water heater to the installation, you can rely on us. Call 806-376-8345 to update your property today!