Water Heater FAQs
Q: How do you choose the right water heater to upgrade your existing heater?
A: Besides considering gas or electric models and energy efficiency, you also need to think about what size water heater your home or business needs.
The size of storage water heater your home or business needs depends on your maximum water usage and the heater’s “first hour rating.” The first hour rating tells you how much hot water can be provided per hour starting with a full, hot tank of water. The first hour rating is dependent upon the size of the water heater, the heat source, and the burner or heating element’s power. The first hour rating should be high enough to provide all the hot water your household or business needs at peak times of usage.
Q: What water heater brands or manufacturers are best?
Many factors go into selecting a water heater that is right for your situation. Planet Plumbing and Drain can help you select the option that is best for you. We carry all major brands of water heaters. Instead of applying one particular brand to every situation, we prefer to consider all the factors involved, and find the water heater that is perfect for your home or business. We can help you with the decisions and recommend the water heating system that is best and most cost-effective for your needs and budget.
Q: Which type of water heater is more energy efficient?
A: Any new hot water heater you examine will have a sticker showing you the energy factor (EF) of the heater. The Energy Factor takes into account how efficiently water is heated in the first place, how much heat is lost as water is stored in the tank, and heat loss as water moves through the system. A higher energy factor indicates a more efficient water heater.
In general, among storage hot water heaters, electric water heaters tend to be more energy efficient and have higher EFs than gas water heaters because some heat is lost through venting the gas heaters. However, the energy efficiency of gas water heaters has been improving and now comes close to that of equivalent electric heaters.
Q: How soon can we get our water heater installed or serviced?
A: Planet Plumbing operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Because we have immediate access to a huge inventory of water heater parts and supplies, we are able to do same-day installations, service, and repair of tank style heaters most of the time. Because people have busy schedules, we also schedule services in advance for a day and time that is convenient for the customer.
Free estimates and same day service
We provide free estimates, and typically dispatch a technician the same day. If you are out of hot water or your tank is leaking, give us a call at 303-440-4330.
