Servco 30 Year Anniversary (Now Open Saturdays)

Need a Water Heater? Let’s examine some options.

Replacing a water heater is not as easy as it used to be.  The choices used to be electric or gas and how many gallons, but the choices are no longer that easy. Some options use less energy, or may qualify for tax credits or energy rebates, some provide limitless hot water, and some have special requirements. The water heater options explored below are standard upright, tankless, and heat pump.

The standard high-efficiency upright water heater is designed to hold water in a tank and heat it to a set temperature.  Energy saving technology has been incorporated into the unit to increase its operating efficiency, like a control board that can “learn” when there is no hot water demand (middle of the night) and it will let water cool during these times. Then, before times when hot water is normally used (morning showers), it will heat water up. These units are available in electric or gas and are about 7% more efficient than standard water heaters.

A tankless gas whole house water heater will only heat water on demand. This unit is about 30% more efficient than a standard gas water heater. However how much energy is saved depends on how the family uses water. Studies have shown when hot water is limitless there is a tendency to use more hot water, and no energy is really saved. If consumers regulate the use of water they can see a return on investment in 4-5 years. These units often last 10 years or more and require very little maintenance. Tankless can be a very good investment in the right situation.

Heat pump water heaters use electricity to heat water the same way a heat pump heats air in the home. It functions as a standard water heater, heating a tank of water to a set temperature. It also uses a control board for timing hot water demand like the high efficiency unit. The heat pump technology makes operating this unit about 55% more efficient than a standard water heater. It does have space requirements and venting requirements, but even with the added costs of installation, the return on investment is 2-3 years. This solution does not provide limitless hot water.

Now days, it can take some research to choose the best investment. Our professional plumbers can help! 

If you have any questions about water heater options please call us at SERVCO, 541-451-5090.  
We are now open on Saturdays! We are ready to serve you!