Gas-powered tankless water heaters typically enjoy the fastest recovery rate among all available options. They can heat water on-demand without storing it in a tank, eliminating the need to reheat it.
Most homeowners have experienced the dread of suddenly cold water in the shower or the faucet. These occurrences can disrupt our everyday lifestyle and increase stress and disappointment.
With this in mind, the value of a high-recovery water heater cannot be overstated, both in terms of its functionality and the impact it can have on homeowners.
What is a High Recovery Water Heater?
You would be hard-pressed to find a home in the area without a water heater. Several of the homes with water heaters wish they had a high-recovery water heater.
But what is a high-recovery water heater, and why should you consider this option when seeking water heater replacement in Allen, TX?
When a water heater is in use, it needs a recovery period to refill the tank, and that is what ‘recovery’ means.
With the standard water heater, hot water recovery is one hour to get 4 gallons. With a high-recovery water heater, the recovery is still one hour but up to 55 gallons.
If your home seems to always be waiting for the water to heat up again, consider how many people live there.
The more people there are, the more showers, dishes, and laundry are needed. A high-recovery water heater could be the answer to getting you ‘out of hot water’ with the family!
Are High Recovery Water Heaters More Expensive?
Yes, but not astronomically more. But the upfront cost isn’t the only advantage of a high-recovery water heater.
A high-recovery water heater is more energy efficient, making operation less expensive. How are they more energy efficient?
You don’t run water as long as you wait for it to heat up, which means you’re using less electricity or gas. This will also ease the hot water pressure.
Are High-Recovery Water Heaters Worth The Cost?
If you have a large number of people in your house using hot water and there never seems to be enough, then yes, the investment in a high-recovery water heater is worthwhile.
However, for a household of 6 or fewer, it is probably not the best value.
Based on standard water heaters, use this guide to determine what size you need:
- A household of three: 30-gallon water heater tank
- A household of four: 40-gallon water heater tank
- A household of five: 50-gallon water heater tank
The 70% Rule for Water Heaters
Consider a 50-gallon water heater with the thermostat set at 120 degrees. The 70% output rule means that this water heater should provide approximately 35 gallons of hot water before going into recovery mode.
When shopping for a new water heater, remember that the amount of hot water it will deliver within a timeframe is key. You want a water heater that performs efficiently and has the delivery capacity that fits your household’s needs.
The first-hour delivery measures the performance capability. With a fully heated water heater, you should have this hot water in one hour.
The hour starts counting down from when someone starts a shower, a load of dishes or clothes, and how quickly it takes the next person to have the hot water they need.
Tankless vs. High-Recovery Water Heaters
A high-recovery water heater will quickly heat the water used by any of the water outlets.
To know which is the best option for your household, work with a professional who is experienced and knowledgeable about all types of water heaters.
It is said that a tankless water heater will never run out of hot water. However, it can get overwhelmed by the on-demand from several water outlets at the same time.
This means that while one person is showering, the dishwasher or washing machine running at the same time could reduce the amount of hot water in the shower.
What is Drain Water Heater Recovery?
A DWHR (Drain Water Heat Recovery System) recovers heat from water that goes down the drain.
A DWHR works simultaneously with showering, reusing the heat that isn’t being used in the hot water. This is a great way to conserve water!
Disadvantages of Drain Water Heat Recovery
Because a storage system with a DWHR is used, the system must be connected to a drain that receives the most continuous hot water use. In other words, a bathtub drain would not be compatible.
In Closing
If you plan on selling your home soon, replacing your current water heater with a high-recovery model may attract prospective buyers, but it will not give you a high ROI.
If the water needs to be replaced to pass the buying inspection, stay with typical water instead of investing in a high-recovery water heater.
The best way to get a high ROI is to live in the house and benefit from a high-recovery water heater.
Consider this option if you’re interested in water heater replacement in Allen, TX. Our team can be there to help – call us at 469-253-5530 to schedule a consultation.
