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Hot water on demand is one of the hallmarks of modern living, and since its adoption into the mainstream, several distribution methods have been developed for it. All have their merits, though the right water heater installation for your household depends on many factors. It isn’t necessarily a straightforward choice, but if you make the right one, it can save you a lot of money.

If you’ve been thinking of changing your system, here’s a rundown on how each major type works:

  • Conventional Hot Water Tanks: Chances are high that your home already utilizes this system. It requires two main parts, a hot water heater and an insulated storage tank, and it can be powered either with electricity or natural gas. For the most part, systems that use the latter are the most cost-effective in the long run, though they are more expensive to install. These systems can last about 12 years, especially if you drain their tanks once a year to remove sediment buildup.

  • water heater installationSolar Water Heaters: These systems are great to have during the summer. They work by absorbing heat and distributing it to your water tank using a specialized liquid. Solar systems are useful even in colder regions, as they can be backed up by electric or gas systems when the weather isn’t sunny enough.

  • Tankless Water Systems: As the name suggests, these systems don’t have to store hot water. Instead, they only heat it when there’s an immediate demand. Tankless systems work by pumping water through thin coils, which they subject to intense heat when someone turns on the shower. They can be extremely cost-effective for small households that don’t use much hot water.

  • Condensing Water Heater Systems: These water heater systems are efficient because they reuse exhaust gases to heat more water. In contrast, conventional systems normally vent exhaust gases outdoors. If you have a large household, this may be a good system to consider.

 

Need a new water heater installation or another plumbing service? If you live within the Flathead Valley region of Montana, Plumb-Rite Plumbing can help. The licensed plumbers work out of Kalispell and are even available for emergencies. Call (406) 257-7795 for an estimate, or visit them online for more information.

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