The right hot water tank is integral to any home. It provides the necessary heating and storage of heated water for showers, dish washing, clothes washing, and so forth. A typical hot water tank has a water heater that heats the cold water in a storage tank to about 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Tanks are usually either gas or electric powered with gas tanks having price tags that are seven times as high as electric tanks. There are four basic types of tanks: conventional, natural gas, electric, and solar powered tanks.
The best choice for your home depends on where you live, the size of your home, and the space available.
Conventional tanks are compatible with all gas lines. These tanks use flames to heat water or electric coils to do so. Electric powered conventional hot water tanks are typically used in housing areas that have a natural gas line but no local infrastructure to support it such as rural areas. Conventional hot water storage tanks usually come in two sizes: 25-gallon and 40-gallon sizes, each having a price tag of $200-$400. This type of tank is universally accepted as they provide quick heating of the cold tap water without damaging pipes through sudden temperature changes. They can also be added onto if needed by adding new elements.
Picking the right size storage tank is important. You want one that fits your home’s need but not too big or you will waste money heating water unnecessarily. When choosing the size of a conventional storage tank, it should be able to supply hot water for at least two showers per day for five minutes as well as hot water for several other household uses such as dish washing and clothes washing.
Natural gas tanks are very similar to conventional ones except they use natural gas instead of electricity or propane in order to heat up the cold tap water. Natural gas is cheaper than Propane or electrical sources so if there is direct access to natural gas then this type of tank would be your best bet because it saves on energy costs.
Installing the tank itself is relatively easy and can be installed in a day. The cost of the tank is higher than conventional tanks however because of its ability to use natural gas it saves on energy costs in the long run. The installation should be handled by a licensed plumber. Installation fees vary on where you live depending on how easy it is available in your area as well as how long it will take to set up. It is best to hire a professional if you do not have any experience with installing gas lines in your home.