The new water heater you buy should be an investment in your home. After all, when it comes to keeping your home warm and comfortable during the chilly winter months, you don’t want anything but the best. As there are plenty of different heaters on the market today, picking out the right one can seem like a challenge – but not to worry! The guide will give you all the information to decide on the best heater for your frosty climate. With these six features, you’ll be well on your way to having warmer and happier winters!
1. An Efficient Heat Source to Keep the Tank Temperate
The heater should have an efficient heating element. Whether it’s an electric or gas water heater, having an efficient heating source will keep your tank from freezing. Large tanks typically require more heat to maintain temperatures than smaller ones.
Choose an appropriate unit with enough power to heat your tank sufficiently without adding too much to your monthly energy bill. Make sure you check with your local utility company to see if they offer rebates on energy-efficient appliances. Many times they do!
2. Anti-Frost Function
An anti-freeze system is another good option if you live in a cold climate and are worried about occasional freezing temps, which can crack or rupture some units. Anti-frost function in water heaters works to prevent freezing from damaging your appliance. When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, these models turn on unique heating elements that allow the water to remain unfrozen.
Several different anti-frost systems are available, so it’s crucial to consider how and where you plan to use your heater before choosing one. That way, you can make sure you select an anti-frost system that makes sense for your situation.
3. Internal Installation
There is a time and place for a heater outside the home, but most homeowners live in areas with plenty of rain or snow during the winter months. If you install a water heater outside, it can be at risk of freezing over when conditions are severe. If you expect your local climate to drop below freezing for extended periods, it’s worth installing your heater inside your home to ensure its long-term functionality.
You will need to ensure that your home has enough space within its walls to accommodate a heater. You may also need to consider hiring an electrician and plumber to install additional wiring and pipes. That can add hundreds of dollars to your installation costs but could save thousands down the line by protecting against expensive repairs and replacements due to damage caused by frost buildup.
4. Overheat Protection Feature
An overheat protection feature ensures that your heater shuts off if it gets too hot. It’s critical to prevent overheating, which can cause damage to internal parts leading to scalding or dangerous gas leaks. Overheat protection is crucial in cold climates, where water heaters are less efficient and heat up more slowly. Overheating also makes older furnaces burn out faster.
Consider getting an energy-efficient tankless heater instead of an electric storage tank model to save money on utility bills. They cost more upfront but save money over time because they use only as much energy as you need at any given moment. That means they don’t have to run as long or as often—and waste less energy—as traditional models do.
5. Improved Safety Features
It’s no secret that water heaters can be dangerous if they suddenly rupture, but newer models are much safer than older ones. Look for models with venting systems and automatic shutoff mechanisms to help prevent overflow and subsequent damage or injury. More recent models also have less exposed heating elements, making them less likely to cause burns if you touch them. It would help if you also looked for insulated tanks (both electric and gas) to reduce heat loss through evaporation.
And finally, keep an eye out for anti-scald devices that protect against burns by reducing temperatures as you turn on your faucet. For example, some new models include child locks that lower water temperature to 120 degrees after two minutes of use. A temperature limiter is another option necessary for some areas—that turn off your heater when it reaches a specific temperature. That feature prevents overheating, which could cause an explosion or fire.
Conclusion
A frost-free water heater is an investment you don’t want to regret. The features listed above will help you ensure that your home won’t end up with a burst pipe from extreme cold or system failures, giving you peace of mind and saving you thousands of dollars. So if you live in an area that gets regular frost, investing in a heater system with these features is money well spent.
