Many of today’s water heaters are much more sophisticated than they used to be. You can buy a model with Wi-Fi connectivity, smart leak detection, a heat pump unit, and more. Understanding these advancements is crucial for deciding which features are actually worth the investment for your home’s comfort, convenience, and energy goals.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
A regular water heater will use electric resistance elements to heat the water. With a heat pump model, the unit can pull heat from the surrounding air for water heating, significantly reducing the amount of electricity needed to produce hot water. Plus, by extracting heat from the air, the water heater itself can help the surrounding room feel cooler. The biggest tradeoff is the upfront cost, which tends to be higher than that of a regular unit.
Water Heaters With Wi-Fi Connectivity
Your water heater is an appliance that stays out of sight and out of mind for most of the year. Because of this, you may not think it would be very helpful for it to have Wi-Fi connectivity, but this feature can be surprisingly useful. Wi-Fi-connected water heaters typically come with a compatible app that you download on your smartphone. With just a few taps, you can change the water temperature and check the unit’s maintenance status.
Built-in Leak Detection
If you have a water heater with built-in leak detection, you can rest easy knowing you’ll receive an alert if a leak develops, allowing you to act fast and schedule timely service. Some models even come with automatic shutoff for the water supply, which is especially helpful for limiting water damage to the unit itself and the drywall and flooring around it.
Smart Mixing Valves for More Usable Hot Water
With a water heater that has a smart mixing valve, you can often get more usable hot water. This type is able to store the water at a higher temperature than normal and then automatically mix it with cooler water before it goes to your faucets and water-using appliances, like the dishwasher and washing machine. In doing so, many households find they can take back-to-back showers without having to worry as much about running out of hot water.
The best type of water heater for your home depends on how much hot water your household uses, the available energy sources, and the local energy costs. You’ll also want to consider the installation space. A compact tankless style will often work better when you don’t have a utility closet with enough room for a tank-style unit. A licensed plumber can do an assessment of your home to help you make a smart investment in a setup that includes today’s latest technologies for saving money and enhancing comfort and convenience. When you need water heater services in Cedar Rapids, IA, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.