Propane Hot Water Heater

After a long, stressful day at work, there is nothing like a soothing hot shower to perk you up – until the water goes from hot to cold in an instant when someone else decides to follow your example and turns on the other shower. If this is a common occurrence at your house, your water may not be doing its job properly. If you used to have enough hot water but lately have been running out faster every day, your current water heating system may have a problem. If you determine that it is time to get a new one, you will want to know what is available for you. Generally, there are three types of water heating systems that are the most well-known. These include natural gas, electric, and the propane hot water heater. People generally understand that the natural gas and propane fuels tend to be less expensive than electricity.

If you are considering a propane hot water heater, it is a good idea to determine what your needs are before you go looking at all the styles and types. This will help you to be less confused or stressed as you look at the different models. How much hot water is delivered to your household is very dependent on the size of the tank of your propane hot water heater. If you are not sure how to determine how big is big enough, you can discuss this with a customer service representative at a local plumbing supply store or home improvement center. The bigger the tank, the more expensive the unit, so you want to be sure you get big enough without getting more than you really need.

When you have the propane hot water heater installed, you will want to be sure that it is done properly in accordance to established codes. For instance, if you live in an area that may be prone to earthquakes, your installers ought to strap it tightly to the wall. You also want to talk to the installation team about proper venting. This is very important because you don't want the emissions from the propane hot water heater to enter your home where they can harm your family. Another safety issue is directly related to the temperature setting. Have the installer show you how to adjust the temperature on the control panel. You should keep the temperature between 102 and 125 degrees. This will ensure that no one will get scalded by hot tap water that is too hot. Another benefit to knowing how to set the thermostat is that by lowering it a couple of degrees, you can save money on your energy bills over time.

Saving money can be even easier if you also purchase an insulation jacket for your propane hot water heater. Because heat can escape from the outside of the water tank, the insulation keeps that heat inside. This means that it won't have to heat the water as often, because it will stay hotter longer. Just be sure to leave the control panel uncovered and accessible. By doing a little homework, you will be able to determine the size and style of water heater that best fits your needs.