If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, it's time to start thinking about an update. Modern units are more convenient and energy-efficient than ever before, and new models also offer some surprising and innovative options. Here's what you need to know about the two types on the market.

Traditional Water Heaters

A traditional unit uses a main central tank where water is heated and stored, ready for use. The tank may hold 40, 50, or 55 gallons—or even more for some models. Depending on their FHR, or first-hour rating, they can often produce more hot water quickly even after that tank is emptied—but if your water use is heavy, you'll eventually get cold water from your heater until you give it a chance to catch up. Traditional heaters run on either electric or gas power, so make sure you know what kind of hookups you have before making a purchase.

Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless system has no central tank where water is heated. Instead, it is often called an "on demand" system because it heats water as needed before delivering it to you. How quickly it can do this is determined by its GPM, or gallons per minute rating.

A tankless water heater requires a different pipe configuration than a traditional one, so it's easiest to install in a new home or in a home addition. However, your plumber can also easily renovate your existing water pipes to make room. Once you've made this investment, you'll significantly save on energy costs because your unit will only turn on when you need hot water instead of keeping a full tank hot 24/7. 

If you need a new water heater, contact Miller & Humphrey Plumbing & Electric. Serving a 20-mile radius around Enterprise, AL, they have over 60 years of experience as both state-licensed electricians and plumbers. This dual expertise gives the company a distinct advantage when fulfilling their customers’ needs. They pride themselves on versatility, efficiency, and professionalism. To schedule a visit call (334) 347-9212 or learn more about what they have to offer online.