If you're looking to purchase a water heater, you should consider two important factors: efficiency and manufacturer's warranty. The higher the efficiency of the heater, the lower is its cost to operate.
Since the average life expectancy of a water heater is 7 years, manufacturers provide a 6-year warranty on all of them. You can learn more about the types of water heaters that are best suited for you:
Gas tank type water heaters
- Best choice for Birmingham homes (especially during a power outage)
- Low maintenance
- Low operating costs
- Quick recovery
- Maintenance includes an annual tank flush (included in our annual service agreement)
- Reduces the mineral buildup in the bottom of the tank that is commonly associated with hard water
It's more cost-effective to use natural gas to heat water than electricity. Since recovery time of the water heater is important for homes with larger families, you should consider the comparison between gas tank and electric heaters.
- Average 40-gallon gas tank type water heater can heat 33 gallons of water in an hour at a 90 degree temperature rise
- Standard electric 40-gallon water can heat 21 gallons of water in an hour at a 90 degree temperature rise
Tankless gas water heater
- Endless supply of hot water (switches ON and OFF according to the usage)
- Higher efficiency rating (costs less to operate)
- Saves space (can be mounted on a wall, crawlspace, or a closet)
Although it has many benefits, it's not the initial investment you should make and will provide you with the right information so that you can make an educated decision.
Electric water heater
- Easiest to install (2 water connections and the electrical wire)
- Best life expectancy
- Can be installed in enclosed areas
- Lasts longer than a gas tank type water heater as the tank is not being heated by a gas flame at the bottom
- Uses a heating element that protrudes through the side of the tank
- Better for the environment as it doesn't produce hydrocarbons from burning fossil fuels