Water heaters run on either gas or electricity or a combination. They are usually large insulated tanks that hold hot water until it’s needed. They may have a pressure-relief valve or dip tube.

If your water heater is old and making noises, you should replace it. It also could be time to upgrade to a tankless or demand-type unit.

Tank-type heaters

The most common type of water heater, a traditional tank-style heater has a large insulated tank that stores heated water until it’s needed. These heaters can be fueled by electricity or natural gas. They have a drain valve on the exterior that allows you to easily empty the tank for maintenance and cleaning purposes. A temperature-pressure relief valve (T&P Valve) protects the unit by allowing excess pressure to escape if the tank overheats.

The energy efficiency of tank-type water heater replacement Beaverton is measured by their first-hour rating, or FHR. You can find this information by adding up all the devices in your home that use hot water and multiplying them by their gallons-per-minute flow rate. This will give you your household’s peak hour demand, and it’s important to select a heater with an FHR that matches or exceeds this number.

Tankless heaters

Tankless heaters provide hot water on demand, so they can be more energy efficient than tank models. These units are usually smaller and can be wall-mounted indoors or outdoors, depending on climate. If you install one inside, you’ll need ventilation piping and a drain to pull away condensation. You’ll also need to upgrade your gas line or electrical system to accommodate the new unit.

The wattage capacity of your home and the number of fixtures you use will determine which size unit is best for you. Choose from non-condensing or condensing models in gas and propane sizes. Ensure the unit has an Energy Star label and meets your state’s minimum efficiency rating requirements. Compare the gallons per minute (GPM) it can produce at different temperature rises, as well as how many fixtures it can run simultaneously. Choose a model with an integrated intelligent ignition device (IID), which only ignites when you turn on a hot water fixture.

Gas heaters

Nearly half of American households use gas water heaters, and Lowe’s carries many different models. Find a new tank-type water heater to store hot water or go with a tankless system that frees up space. Choose a model that meets the energy needs of your family and consider a warranty.

Select a gas heater that is compatible with the type of fuel you have access to, such as natural or propane. The fuel type and annual operating costs will determine your energy efficiency rating, which will impact your utility bills.

A qualified professional will size your unit and install it properly to prevent issues. Incorrect installation could result in combustion byproducts such as carbon monoxide leaking into living spaces. Avoid this danger by having your gas water heater inspected regularly. Also, ensure your water heater is vented outside to reduce the risk of backdrafting. A venting kit is required to properly connect your unit. Choose a kit that includes discharge pipes, fittings, pressure relief valve, solder and gas and water piping.

Electric heaters

When you need an extra source of heat in a room or an area such as a garage, basement, or mother-in-law suite, electric heaters may be a practical solution. These appliances use a heating element with fan-forced air to warm up a space, and they come in various sizes. Some are portable while others are large enough to heat a whole room or office. They also come with a range of features including cool-touch housing to prevent accidental contact burns, and multiple temperature settings.

As with other household equipment, water heaters need to be repaired or replaced periodically. Homeowners can avoid disruption and save money on energy bills by following a few simple maintenance tips. These include: Detecting puddles of water around the unit. This could indicate that the tank is leaking. Checking the anode rod for corrosion and replacing it as needed. Draining the unit yearly to reduce sediment build-up and prolong its lifespan.