While hot water tanks can last for as long as 15 to 20 years, they do eventually need to be replaced. If your tank is making strange noises, showing signs of rust, or having trouble heating up water, then it’s likely time to invest in a new one. At McMullen’s Refrigeration & Heating Ltd, we provide installation for hot water tanks in Red Deer. We’ve put together some of our top tips for choosing the right replacement tank for your home.
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters
While hot water tanks are still more common throughout Red Deer homes, tankless water heaters are growing in popularity as well.
Tankless heaters provide on-demand hot water by passing the water through a series of heating coils. While more expensive up-front, they are also more energy-efficient and can save you money down the line. Because they don’t require a storage tank, tankless heaters also take up considerably less space. They are ideal for smaller households or residences that are occupied part-time.
Today’s more efficient hot water tanks still remain a great choice for larger households, as they can better accommodate high-use demands. They are also generally more affordable to install.
Water Heater Capacity
When choosing a new hot water tank, think about the capacity of your old water heater and whether it was able to supply enough hot water for your household. If not, then you may want to consider a larger unit. Households of five or more people, for example, will likely need a tank that holds at least 56 gallons of water at a time.
Tankless heaters do not hold water, but they do have a limit to how many gallons of hot water they can produce every minute (measured as Gallons per Minute, or GPM). If you have a large household that typically needs hot water for multiple uses at the same time, then you’ll want a unit with a flow rate of at least 5 GPM or more.
Water Heater Size
On top of choosing the correct capacity for your new water heater, you need to make sure that it will fit in the place of your old one. Your new water heater could very likely be wider or taller, so it is important to take the dimensions into account before making a purchase. The unit should also have an adequate amount of clearance on all sides to allow for proper operation and maintenance.
Professional Hot Water Tank Installation and Repair in Red Deer
If you’re looking at new hot water tanks for your Red Deer home, then the team at McMullen’s Refrigeration & Heating Ltd is here to help. We have been providing installation and repair services for hot water tanks in Red Deer and Central Alberta for more than 50 years. We can help you figure out what type of hot water tank is right for you and tell you all about our options for tankless heaters as well.
For all of our hot water tank repair and installation needs, don’t hesitate to contact McMullen’s Refrigeration & Heating Ltd today!