Infrared Heaters Consumer Reports - Lifesmart Amish Infrared Heater Review

The LIFESMART Amish inspired power plus 1200 square foot 6 element infrared quartz heater boasts a top of the line design that offers more copper for greater heat transfer than any of the other leading infrared heaters. LIFESMART products are advertised as being smart for the consumer and smart for the planet.

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The LIFESMART produces no emissions and is 90% efficient in the room its being used. This is compared to 60% efficiency that is produced in furnace heat by the time it reaches a room.

Consumer Reports

The LIFESMART is a portable heater and advertises to heat any area up to 1200 sq. feet (depending on how efficient the space is). The air emitted by this LIFESMART heater is evenly distributed, will not dry out, and is moved through a built-in lifetime air filter that destroys bacteria and other organisms.

The Power Plus by LIFESMART offers safe heat. It will not burn children or pets and produces no emissions. This heater has a full ETL certification for safety features. It offers a consistent heat so that the temperature remains the same, without the loss of heat, from ceiling to baseboard. It will save on the heating bill as it will use up to 1500 watts of electricity, which is about the same as a hairdryer.

The LIFESMART power plus heater gets efficiency from the six infrared quartz elements rated at 25,000 hours. There are also four copper heat exchanges, three that wrap the quartz elements and one at the exit.

The efficient and innovative design allows for the absorption of infrared energy and the production and circulation of heated and purified air back into the room. One of the most efficient heaters on the market.

It has a soft touch LED control screen to change settings or offers a remote control so that temperature and fan changes can be made across the room for added convenience. Settings can also be put on a time frame, rather than temperature, not all infrared heaters offer this function. It is a lightweight 40 lbs. and comes with EZ glide wheels for added mobility, making it one of the most portable infrared heaters you can buy.

The LIFESMART heater has a 110 volt plug & play with a 6 foot long cord for easy placement anywhere in the home.

Lifesmart Amish Features

The heater is rated to heat up to 1200 sq feet Healthier, cleaner air: built in lifetime filter that destroys bacteria, virus, mold, mildew and other unhealthy organisms. Eliminates contamination caused by forced air heating and space heaters Safe Heat: The LIFESMART infrared heater will not burn children or pets and includes several safety features. Portable and easy to operate: E-Z glide wheels are included as well as a soft touch LED control. There is also a remote control to operate the unit from across the room No special installation: 110 volt plug and play with a 6 foot cord

Lifesmart Amish Reviews

Overall, users really liked the performance of the LIFESMART heater. There were several comments about the ease of use and the convenient controls on the heater and the remote, including that users are able to set a temperature range and the heater will turn on when it falls within two degrees below the requested temperature.

Most consumers have mentioned that their heating bill only went up a small amount after using this infrared heater as a large source of heat in the home. A few users, who reported having small apartments, even used this heater as the only source of heat in their home. Most comments were that it heated evenly without any cold spots. Consumers also loved how quiet the unit was.

The complaints were that it did not heat up an area as large as it advertised or that users did not get the "infrared" feel from the infrared heater that they had hoped.

They seem to be a good buy for the money, overall, users like the LIFESMART.

Infrared Heaters Consumer Reports - Lifesmart Amish Infrared Heater Review

Consumer Reports

Choosing A Water Heater: The Basics

No one ever thinks about a water heater and all it does for their home until the one they have stops working; then they will have to decide how to go about choosing a water heater, and for many this is a scary proposition. When you need a water heater you need to understand the different types, their pluses and minuses, and how all of that information applies to your needs.

There are four basic types of water heaters, the storage tank model, the tankless model, the hybrid, and the solar water tank model. Each one of these different water tanks provide hot water to your home, but looking at how they work and cost will be the best way for choosing a water tank.

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First look at the water tank most people are most familiar with, the storage tank model. This water tank has a large storage tank that fills with cold water. Inside the tank are heating elements that keeps the water at a constant temperature, day and night.

While this type of water heater is what most people have seen the most, there are some major drawbacks to buying another of this type of tank. First there is a fixed amount of water that can be heated at a time; therefore you may, depending on your usage, run out of hot water from time to time. Next, while these are pretty reasonable to buy, they are very expensive to run. Also, with storage type units, there is no shut off on the heating element, so it takes a lot of energy to keep your water hot. Having said that, these are still the best option for consumers on a budget.

The second type of water heater is the newest and most cutting edge of them all. With the tankless water heater, there is no tank to store water. The water is heated when you need it, and only the water that is needed at that moment is heated, which results in saving a large percentage of your utility costs associated with water usage every month, so why doesn't everyone have one? Well the upfront costs are not too quickly offset with the savings on your energy bill.

The hybrid is another type of water heater, these combine a tank with a heat pump which works with the hot air around the pump to heat your water. These units are really large and most homes do not have a place for them. Plus, they are not very economical which means that they really are not a very practical option for most homeowners.

Finally there is the solar tank, these are brilliantly designed systems which combines a storage tank and solar collectors to heat your water supply using the power collected from the sun. These systems are extremely expensive, and are not a viable option for most homeowners.

As you can see from this article, there are many options for your next water heater and some are going to be better than others depending on your particular needs. Discuss these options with your plumber and find the perfect balance of cost versus benefit for you and your family.

Choosing A Water Heater: The Basics

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

How to Fix an Instant Water Heater Unit in a Bathroom

An instant heater is an appliance that heats water as it flows from a pipe. It is used in bathrooms and kitchens for providing hot water. It can be installed to provide the heated water in restaurants and public utility places. The shower sprout is replaced with the appliance. This works when water is turned on and it pushes a diaphragm inside, which acts like a switch. It uses electricity to run. It consumes less power than the hot water cylinder.

Instant heaters fixed in bathrooms should be secure to ensure no risk of electric shock when in use. The product should have the earthling component which makes it safe to use. When purchasing the appliance its important to cross check the electric rating. For home, use the lower than for commercial ratings. The piping point for water in the bathroom should be at a minimum height of six feet. The water pressure should be adequate to run the heater.

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When fixing the heater start by checking all the installations. The power from the consumer unit to the bathroom should be in place. Next check the piping point. The appliance is connected at least a foot off the wall. Add a one foot pipe to the water point on the wall. The source of water should be from the cold water supply. Unpack the heater and tie it to the pipe. Use a threading tape to stop the joint from leaking. Test for the water flow.

After fixing the water heater to the overhead pipe, check the power wiring. Follow the manufactures instructions when connecting to the power source. Ensure all the wiring joints are water tight. Secure all wires with clips to the wall and use a wiring cover. Place the switch with a pilot lamp outside the bathroom door. When the connection is complete test the power and run the water. Set the regulators for hot, medium and warm water on the appliance.

How to Fix an Instant Water Heater Unit in a Bathroom

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

How to Choose the Best Hot Water Heater for You!

The best hot water heater all depends on how the tank is configured. All suppliers can claim that they have the best home appliances on the market. Unfortunately, most people are in the middle of a cold shower once they determine that maybe they should have taken the time to compare. In order for you to benefit from any appliance you should consider how this affects your energy consumption. These appliances typically consume about 10 to 15% of your monthly energy expenses which means that it really needs careful consideration on what to select.

There are a variety of factors that should go into your decision to purchase a new, or upgrade an existing home unit. Some things to consider will be water demand; the size of your family and the amount of hot water each member uses. Space will be another factor to think about as some of the more traditional hot water tanks can get rather large. Ease of installation is also something to consider if you plan on installing the unit without the help of a certified plumber or electrician.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

There are generally three types of heaters that are commonly accepted as best hot water heater in the market. There is the large water heater that heats water using a natural gas or from electricity. These types have large tanks so that they can stockpile a large quantity of heated water which can be available on your demand. These traditional style heaters are typically less energy efficient and, depending on the size of the tank, have a limited supply of hot water.

The most recent type of water heater to hit the market is the tankless heater. These designs are able to achieve a higher level of energy efficiency because they eliminate the large tanks. It is said that this tankless devices use high powered burners to instantly heat water on demand. It is said to run through heat exchangers that consumes 20-25 percent more energy than what the ordinary storage tank heater would.

Another type of design becoming popular with consumers in markets around the world is the hot water dispenser. This is also known as boiling water tap. This is considered best hot water heater for kitchen faucets and bathrooms. You can ask your plumber to install it for you or there are do it yourself guide which will help you mount this unit in your house.

How to Choose the Best Hot Water Heater for You!

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Water Heater Repair - Is Repairing Your Water Heater Worth the Price?

Not many of us know a whole lot about water heaters or water heater repair. However, it is something that every homeowner has to deal with at some time or another because no water heating unit lasts forever. Determining whether or not you should repair your water heater or buy a new one depends solely on what is wrong with it in the first place. Below is a list of problems and what the best solution is for each.

1) Leaks. Almost always, leaks can be fixed very easily. The leak will usually come from one of three places - the drain valve, the pipes or the tank. The drain valve is the easiest fix. You can simply tighten it and in most cases the leak will stop. If the leak is coming from the pipes, inspect the fittings and tighten each one. If the leak persists, the leak is most likely being caused by a hole or crack in one of the pipes due to corrosion. This is a relatively easy fix and is worth it to do because of the relatively small cost, even if you have to hire a professional. Lastly, if the leak is coming from the tank, the tank most likely needs to be replaced. Generally speaking, purchasing a new one is most likely the best fix here.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

2) Water that is too hot or too cold. This is usually caused by a faulty temperature pressure relief valve. This valve is supposed to shut off the water heater's heating element once the water reaches a certain pressure. If this valve is faulty, it can be dangerous because of the scolding hot water the unit could produce, plus the fact that the unit could burst due to built up pressure. Make sure to call a licensed repairman to inspect your unit.

3) Pilot light. If the pilot light keeps going out on your gas water heater, the problem is most likely with the orifice. Clear it from any dirt or debris. The problem could also be with the thermocouple. If this is the case, it will not cost too much to replace it. If you are handy, you could even do it yourself.

4) Water not hot enough. If the hot water being produced is not hot enough or not hot at all, the problem is most likely with the heating element. If this is the case, buying a new one is probably the best option because repair will be expensive.

Water Heater Repair - Is Repairing Your Water Heater Worth the Price?

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Install A Water Heater Timer To Save Energy

Most people are willing to do the little things to save energy and money, but all too often they just do not know what options are available to them. Well, if you are one of the millions of US homeowners that are using an electric storage tank water heater, one of these small things that can make a big impact is installing a timer to regulate when there is power to your water heater and save energy. With the high cost of energy these days, a little extra savings every month can add up to big savings on your budget.

The idea behind installing a timer stems from the inherent inefficiency in the design of a tank water heater. These models are great and do a fantastic job as evidenced by their continuing popularity to this very day. They are affordable and reliable, lasting for many years. But the design of these units leaves a bit to be desired in terms of energy efficiency. The way a conventional tank storage unit works is that water enters a large tank and gets heated by two elements. There is one element up top and one at the bottom of the tank.

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The flaw in the design that renders these models less than optimal in performing their jobs is the fact that water that gets heated and does not get used will eventually cool down and require heating again. This inefficient cycle gets repeated over and over again until the water is finally used in your home. Each time that water gets heated and goes unused, you are wasting energy throwing away money.

That brings us to one practical solution to this problem. If homeowners will take the opportunity to install a timer, then you can prevent the cycle of heating and cooling and only heat water when it is really needed. If your water heater has an adequate first hour heating rating, you only need to give the unit a one hour head start on heating the water you will need in order to have a sufficient supply for your use.

This is a project that most people can do themselves without the assistance of a plumber but there are some situations where installing a water heater timer makes sense and some where it doesn't. If you have already installed a heat trap and insulated your pipes, you won't reap the same benefits as homeowners that do not have heat traps and insulation in place. Also, timers are not a good fit for gas-powered units.

Saving money can be simple once consumers know what their options are and then they take action on the ones that are a good fit for their homes. Installing a water heater timer is one of these simple tasks that people with electric water heaters can perform and save energy and money. You get the financial savings as well as the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are being a responsible user of the planet's natural resources.

Install A Water Heater Timer To Save Energy

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Tankless Water Heater Comparison of Four Major Water Heating Brands

Tankless heaters are becoming more and more popular thanks to their long term saving effect on electricity and water. There are many brands in the water heater market but the following tankless water heater comparison focuses only on four major brands that have provided top quality models according to the industry magazines and consumer reviews.

Rheem

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Rheem company has a variety of different options to offer, which run on gas, are innovated, and that will provide you with plenty of hot water when you need it.

Rheem is a company that is private and has been in operation since 1927. Today there are the leading producer in North America of water heaters and have won multiple awards in the water heating category.

For smaller homes, Rheem provides their RTG-53 series, which is perfect for providing hot water to 1-2 different bathrooms within a home. For those with 3 bathrooms, the RTG-74 series is perfect. The GT-199 heavy duty option is an excellent option for those homes that have over three bathrooms in use.

The main advantage of Rheem tankless water hears is that they can operate multiple appliances, even over a period of time. The controls on the heaters are electric as well so that the thermostat can be easily controlled to keep water from becoming too hot, which is especially important for families that have children.

Stiebel Eltron

Stiebel Eltron is a company that was founded in Germany back in 1924. Through the years, the have been known for their water heaters and the company is now the top manufacturer in Germany.

The products that they offer vary from mini tankless water heaters, which are extremely compact, to larger options that are made to support larger household hot water needs. They provide special scald guards on their heaters.

They also offer thermal cut off safety sensors as well as special temperature controls that are all digital. Prices vary depending on the option purchased, but the average price on these heaters is about 0.

Noritz

The vision of Noritz company is to change the way that hot water is used to help eliminate detrimental effects that occur to our environment. They are an up and coming company in the industry, and although thy have not been around as long as some of the other companies, they have the largest plant for manufacturing tankless water heaters.

Noritz is a company that was originally based in Japan. They offer products that are compact and offer installation that is easy whether you are installing indoors or outdoors. The supply of water provided by their heaters is impressive, at 13.2 gallons each minute. One big advantage is the 10 year warranty that is on the heat exchanger, and they provide a three year warranty on the other parts of the system.

Electronic controls allow users to prevent scalding issues, and some of the newer models even come with alarms that go off when so much water has been used. For heavy demands, the N-084M-DV, the N-132M, and the n-084M are good options. For simpler household needs, the N-69M-OD, N-063-OD, and the N-063S are all good options.

Bosch

Bosch is a company well known for their innovative products and it is one of the top selling tankless heaters manufacturers out there. The 12 year warranty is one of the big pros this company has to offer, since this is a longer warranty than any of the other companies offer on their brands.

Their water heaters are made to save space and they provide plenty of hot water, even for homes that are using several appliances at once. More than 7 gallons of water are delivered for each minute, making sure consumers do not run out of hot water.

These products are light weight, there is freeze protection built in, and it has a 120 volt electronic ignition that can be used. Although a few consumers have reported malfunctions, as you compare tankless water heaters, you will find that what Bosch has to offer is definitely top of the line.

Tankless Water Heater Comparison of Four Major Water Heating Brands

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Use a Water Heater Timer and Save Big Bucks

Using a water heater timer could be the answer to your prayers. If you have been experiencing a surge in your electricity bills, start considering getting one now. Heaters are the highest energy-consuming devices found in your home. You could be spending up to 0 per year in electricity costs just because of it!

An average brand heats gallons of water every time, regardless of whether you use it or not. When you're asleep or out of your home, it water and continues to do so until you use it. This is the reason why you get high utility bills. In order for you to cut back on these costs, you can get a timer.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

What is a Water Heater Timer?

This is a device attached to your heater that allows you to control when you want to turn on/off your water heater at different times of the day.

How is this considered a factor in saving energy?

There is no need for a it to continue doing its function when you are at work or asleep. Usually, hot water is needed only for showers, doing the dishes, and laundry. This runs for about 4 hours in a day. Instead of heating water over and over again for 24 hours a day, you have the power of setting when and how often it operates. This can save you up to 12% of energy.

How does a water heater timer work?

These timers have manual buttons that lets you set specific times to turn on/off your heater during the day. For some, you can choose up to 24 on/off settings for each day so you can modify and fine tune your schedule.

If your schedule varies with each day, you can opt for more highly developed ones that come with a programmable function. A digital timer provides seven-day programming that allows you to set a different schedule for each day of the week. Basically, you are in charge of setting the schedules according to your time of use. This is especially suited for those with flexible schedules who have no routine time in needing hot water.

For those with schedules varying only in the weekend, there are less expensive ones available that come with a weekday and weekend schedule.

Digital timers also have a built-in backup that saves your schedule even when there is a power outage. Through this, you do not have to reset your schedule every time a power outage occurs. These timers require minimal, if not zero maintenance.

How can I further cut back on electricity costs?

Contact your utility company and inquire if they offer a demand management program. This means different rates are charged depending on the demand for electricity at that specific time. Lower rates are charged when there is low demand (off peak hours), and higher rates are charged when demand is high (on peak hours). If you are able to set it to function during off peak hours, then you can further cut back on electricity costs.

If you want to reduce your expenses on electricity bills, consider purchasing a water heater timer. It is a very good investment since it is cost-efficient, cheap and easy to use. The best part is using it for just about two to three months would save you the amount of money you used to purchase your timer. It actually pays for itself! This shows how effective water heater timers are in saving you big bucks.

Use a Water Heater Timer and Save Big Bucks

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Electric Water Heater Repair

What are the common problems and how to troubleshoot electric water heater? Use the guide below to see the main reasons for your electric water heater repair. Do you have a problem with the thermostat, heating elements or there is no hot water? OK, let's find out more about troubleshooting and fixing the heater and what you should know to order repair parts.

For almost every problem or condition that is related to your electric heater there is a number of different causes. Here are some:

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Problem: Why my electric water heater doesn't produce hot water?

Solution: If there is no electric power in the heater check the fuses or circuit breaker. Use the manufacturer manual to check are the wiring connections properly installed at the heater's terminals. Remove oxidation from the wiring and if the connection is loose, fix it. If your heating element is gone due to the lime build up, high voltage, heater vibration or dry-firing (heating element was not fully immersed in the water when it was ON) do not try to repair it, buy a new element and simply replace it. Check the thermostat and if it is faulty replace it. When replacing any of the faulty components try to match parameters.

Problem: Electric water heater produces insufficient hot water

Solution: You might have the undersized heater. Next time try correctly to dimension your water heating system. Repair the leaking hot water faucets or tank drain if needed. Drain and flush your electric water heater regularly to remove the sediment build up. If the thermostat is set too low increase the temperature of the outgoing water. Thermostat should be working properly and mounted flash with the tank; if it is loose correct it. Use the insulation jacket for the heater and insulation for pipes to reduce the heat loss. Check the bottom heating element for the open circuit or if it is grounded, replace it.

Problem: How to repair slow hot water recovery?

Solution: One of the common causes for the slow hot water recovery is the lime build up on the heating elements. If the water is too hard use the water softener, otherwise clean the elements. but be careful not to damage the copper sheath. If the thermostat is misplaced, position it per manufacturer's instruction. Check is the dip tube improperly installed on the hot water line.

Problem: Too expensive to operate electric water heater

Solution: Reduce the temperature on the thermostat if it is set too high. Check for leaks on the hot water tap, around heating elements, heater nipples and the tank drain... that is a pure energy and money waste. If your water heater and the pipeline are not insulated, especially during the winter time, do so. Use the insulation blanket for the heater.

Problem: Noise

Solution: Lime formation on the heating element or in the tank is the reason why the water heater produces a rumbling, pounding or sizzling noise. Use the fine brush to clean the lime scale from the elements.

Before you try to repair the electric water heater, call the company the unit was purchased from to order the part. To get the right part always provide the following info: Model number, serial number and part description.

Other problems related to the electric water heaters might include heating elements, anode rod, water odor and unusual taste, hot water fluctuation...

Electric Water Heater Repair

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Water Heater Review

Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Water Heater delivers you hot water of 4 gallons per minute. It holds enough to deliver a person enough warm water supply to finish off with good shower. The Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless is compact in size and comes in lightweight and it does not create annoying sounds when heating up.

This can be easily installed by the homeowners. It's an economical, energy efficient water heater product that can be installed in small houses and apartments for its usability. It can also be used as a seasonal backup unit that saves on oil use during the summer months - especially in the northern US.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Water Heater Price

The Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Heater costs 2.00, which includes shipping. There may be other electrical and plumbing materials required for installation that are not included with this unit.

Usage Considerations

At 4 gallons per minute, the Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Heater is a low capacity unit. It can service one shower at a time with this water heater and it will not be able to leave the sink running while in the shower.

AVERAGE APPLICATION FLOW RATE IN GPM AT 60 PSI
• Typical Shower 1.5 to 2.0 GPM Max. 2.5 GPM
• Typical Bath Tub Faucet 2.0 to 3.0 GPM
• Bathroom Vanity Sink Faucet 0.5 to 1.5 GPM
• Kitchen Sink Faucet 1.0 o 2.2 GPM
• Washer 1.5 to 3.0 GPM

This water heater is very quiet and easy to install. Also, if you have hard water then you should purchase a water softener.

Specifications & Regulations

• Plumbing connections: ½ inch NPT - Minimum flow rate ½ gallon per minute
• Electrical Specifications: 240 volts, Breaker Requirements 60 Amp (1), Max Power 54 Amp, AWG Wire 6
• External temperature control
• LED's indicate active element and standby mode
• Rugged brass/ copper heat exchanger
• Minimum activation flow rate: 0.4 GPM
• Maximum flow rate: 4 GPM
• Efficient hot water flow in up to a 60 degree water temperature rise from incoming water

Several of the consumers who left reviews, mention that the Rheem RET 13 was easy to install. This is an economical, energy efficient product that can be used in small houses or apartments. It can also be used as a seasonal backup unit that saves on oil use during the summer months - especially in the northern US.

This is a compact, quiet electric tankless heater. The Rheem RET 13 is easy to install and if selected for the correct circumstances can be very satisfying. You will need to study your water usage carefully before purchasing this unit in order that you don't purchase too small a capacity water heater. If you do, however, match this unit with you needs correctly, you will be pleased.

Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Water Heater Review

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Best Water Heater Guide - Types of Water Heaters

Before you buy this important piece of equipment, read this water heater guide to understand the different kinds of models that are available for your home.

Understanding the basic types for heaters that are on the market today is critical to making the right choice. Because these products are regulated and have long-term impacts on the quality of the water temperature received within your home, you don't want to have to decide between your options without being well informed.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Let's get straight to it and cover each of the available types:

Gas fueled storage tank water heaters: These are the conventional 30 to 50 gallon tanks that are heated by a gas fueled fire at the bottom of the tank.

Electric heated storage tank water heaters: These are units that store in a tank that is heated at the bottom by an electrical heating element.

Gas fueled tankless water heaters: Heats water at the time of usage and a gas fueled tankless heater is obviously heated by a gas fueled flame.

Electric heated tankless water heaters: Heats water at the time of usage and uses an electrical heating element to heat the water.

Point-of-use electric water heaters: These heaters tend to be electrical because it's much easier to run electricity to these remote locations than running gas lines to them.

Heat-pump water heaters: Works like a refrigerator in reverse. Most heat pumps run on electricity.

Solar water heaters: The heating is processed through the coils inside the panel and is heated by solar energy. Plumbing lines then lead away from the solar panels into the house and other plumbing hot water pipes.

Portable water heaters: Most often these heaters are small propane fueled tank units that are used for camping and other temporary circumstances.

There are really three kinds of power sources for these heaters: gas, electric and solar. After that, there are three different styles: tank, tankless, and hybrid (or point of use). This means choosing the right one means making two decisions. First, understand your power options. Most homes are already determined based on whether or not the existing water heater is fueled by gas or electricity but in a new build you might have an option. How much water you need delivered and at what pace can help you choose between the style options.

Once you understand the types available through any water heater guide, then you should take a few minutes to understand how they work and interact with the plumbing in your house and - specifically - how the climate in your part of the world might require that you choose one type over another to get the best performance.

Best Water Heater Guide - Types of Water Heaters

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Is a Tankless Water Heater a Good Idea?

With the cost of energy on the rise, many of us are looking for ways to save on our monthly electric or gas bills. In your search for ways to stretch a dollar, you may have heard of a tankless water heater.

A tankless water heater, whether gas or electric, is designed to heat water only on demand. Basically, water leaves your water line and enters the heater and flows around a heating unit en-route to the point of utilization without every being stored and given the opportunity to cool off again. The key feature is that the heater does not turn on until it senses that a hot water tap is being opened. In short, the water is heated as part of the delivery process and only when it will be used immediately. This is in contrast to a typical tank water heater that holds gallons of water (40 gallons is typical) in a constantly heated state. Even if you are not home for the weekend, the tank heater is diligently heating the water to your desired temperature and then heating it again as it cools off. The tankless water heater only heats water once and that is where the savings come into play.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

The difficulty is that the savings can be dramatically higher or lower depending on your specific situation. However, as a rule of thumb, a household should realize a 30% savings on energy related to hot water usage. This might work out as follows:

Tank heater cost per month -
Tankless cost at 30% reduction per month -
Savings per month -
Savings per year - 0

0 per year is nothing to sneeze at but a tankless system might not make sense depending on a few other variables. If you live in a very cold climate, it takes more energy to heat the water. The baseline water temperature in Phoenix is much warmer than in Fargo, N.D. If you live in Fargo, your savings would be less if all other things are equal.

Additionally, it costs about 0 for an installed tank water heater but two to three times that amount for a tankless system. This translates to roughly 0 - ,400 additional dollars out of your pocket. At a 0 yearly cost reduction, it will take 3.5 to 8 years to recover the additional expense and begin to save money. If you plan on moving in the next few years, a tankless system makes absolutely no sense. Additionally, if you have a gas system, you will need to modify the gas lines feeding the heater and this can be very costly. Of course, this cost is not a concern if you are looking at installing in a new home.

Taking this as a whole, we can conclude that vacation homes or families with low hot water usage generally would not benefit economically from a tankless system. However, if you are a large family with the attendant high frequency showering and laundering, it may be a good fit for you.

However, there are other non-economic reasons for installing a tankless system. Tankless systems last twice as long as tank water heaters and they don't fail catastrophically. It is not uncommon for a tank system to fail and spill all forty or so gallons of water into the home. This volume of water can do tremendous damage in short order - destroyed drywall, ruined carpet, damaged electrical systems, etc. The cost to repair this damage can run upwards of thousands of dollars. The tankless system avoids this and provides you with peace-of-mind knowing that you don't have a potential hydro-time-bomb in your utility closet.

Another major reason for people electing a tankless system is avoidance of the "shower frigid dance." If you have ever been halfway through a shower and had the hot water give out, you know what I mean. With a tankless system, you have unlimited hot water since the water is being heated on the fly and not from a stored container. No more waiting for the tank to heat more after your teenager took a fifty minute shower while the dishwasher was running.

Also, a tankless system is much smaller than a tank system. If your heater is in an inconvenient spot or a tight space, a tankless system might be able to help you out.

Finally, people that are eco-conscious will choose the tankless system as well. Even if the energy savings is low, every bit counts. And with the twenty year life span of the tankless system, there is less pollution and energy used manufacturing yet another water heater at the ten year mark when a traditional system would fail.

Whether a tankless water heater is a good fit for you depends very much on your particular circumstances. However, with a little research and thought you may be able to save money and have more comfortable shower!

Is a Tankless Water Heater a Good Idea?

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Purchasing A Refurbished Tankless Water Heater

While smart consumers do all they can to save money, the quest for the lowest cost can sometimes lead you to making a decision that isn't in your best interest. Sadly, this is a common mistake that many of us have had to learn the hard way. In the case of a tankless water heater, the lowest priced deal is generally not the best purchase for you to make. You want to ensure the unit is going to be safe for your family as well as perform properly.

If you decide to invest in a refurbished tankless water heater system, you need to be prepared for disappointment and having to invest more money in the future. You really have not idea what you are getting when you purchase one of these units. It is sad, yet it is also very true. You should always buy a new tankless water heater system to prevent issues and concerns from coming up.

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Keep in mind that any refurbished tankless water heater system has failed in the past. This is why it was sent back to the factory. Sure, it has been fixed at the factory and it is being sold at a huge savings, but do you know why it failed the first time? There is no guarantee that it won't become defective again. The idea of refurbishing items and the selling them is nothing new to the market place, but it isn't a good idea to purchase them when it comes to particular products including tankless water heaters.

Why take the risk of purchasing a tankless water heater that has already failed once and has the potential to do so again? You will not be getting any type of warranty on such a purchase. You will be left to pay for the repairs or to replace it should the unit fail. While you can save a great deal of money on the initial purchase, the risk is great that you will have to spend a great deal of money on repairs or to replace it down the road.

Purchasing A Refurbished Tankless Water Heater

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What Will a New Hot Water Heater Cost?

How much will a new hot water heater cost you? That depends on the following factors.

1) Tankless or traditional. The new tankless water heaters are great for providing you with hot water instantly by heating the water right inside of the pipe as soon as you turn the faucet on. While they are more expensive than traditional units, the amount of money you will save on your water bill and your electricity or gas bill will be well worth the added investment. Most times, they are not that much more money.

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2) Your choice of the fuel source. Are you going to go with an electric water heater, or are you going with a natural gas or liquid propane run unit? Usually, the gas versions are a little more expensive but the difference is minor enough that you should base your decision on which fuel source to go with on factors other than initial cost. What do the utility companies in your area charge for the different fuels?

3) Warranties and service plans. What warranty options will you choose? Are you going to extend the term or choose unlimited versus limited? Most companies offer many different options in this area and the more you choose, the more you will pay up front. The same is true for service plans. Many experts say that these service plans are mostly unnecessary but, of course, the option is yours.

4) The gph recovery rating. What is the rating for the gallons per hour the unit can produce? The better the rating, the more you will pay. Make sure to choose a unit that has a gph that fits the usage in your home. Choose one with a low gph and you will run out of hot water. Choose one with too high a gph and you will spend more than you have to.

What Will a New Hot Water Heater Cost?

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Purchasing A Wholesale Tankless Water Heater

No matter what you are considering purchasing, it is important that you are able to get a good deal. While most everyone wants something for nothing that mentality just isn't practice. In most cases, you can save a considerable amount of money if you purchase big ticket items wholesale. Most retailers can't offer you the same low price on a tankless water heater as a wholesaler can.

To find out, you really have to be able to understand the business. A wholesaler is the supplier of the goods or services are able to purchase from the various retailers available. In most cases a wholesaler also sells tankless water heaters to other retailers who in turn sell them to consumers. This is the most common business practice out there. If you are going to purchase a wholesale tankless water heater then you are going to have to do it with a dealer. Don't be conned into purchasing one from any place that says they provide them wholesale to the public. This is a common ploy used for marketing that has been around for more than a decade. In reality, this is simply a normal retail dealer who is fooling consumers.

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Many dealers are able to pass substantial savings on to consumers when they purchase a tankless water heater because they buy them in bulk and get a discount. This is the very best way for a dealer to make a profit on the goods or services they offer. They larger quantity they purchase at once the larger the discount applied will be. The truth of the matter is that unless you are a dealer you won't be able to purchase a wholesale tankless water heater. The best advice I can offer you is to take your time and compare prices. You want to make sure you get the best possible deal from the retailer.

Purchasing A Wholesale Tankless Water Heater

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