The Benefits of a Kitchen Water Heater
A point-of-use kitchen water heater keeps hot water ready under the sink, eliminating wasteful wait time. They also provide energy savings and reduce water usage.
This small electric model fits under most sinks and plugs into a 120V outlet. It features a glass-lined tank and thick CFC-free foam insulation. A single knob controls the temperature.
Under-sink heaters
If you have a kitchen sink in your home that isn’t connected to the main hot water supply, an under-sink heater can be an excellent choice. These devices can provide instant hot water and save money on your energy bills. They use less energy than traditional heaters and operate more efficiently because they heat water at the point of use. Under-sink units are also compact and easy to install.
They can be used in boats, RVs, food trucks, and even homes without a plumbing installation. Some models are even portable and can be taken to the beach or on a camping trip. However, you should always choose a quality unit with the right amount of capacity for your needs. You should also look for an energy rating and a warranty.
You can find many different types of under-sink heaters, from tank-style to on-demand models. Some are designed to be plugged in, while others require more complex pipe installations and are hardwired. The type you choose depends on your budget and the size of your kitchen sink.
A good under-sink water heater should have a safety feature that prevents scalding. For example, it should have a thermostat that regulates the temperature of the water. In addition, it should have an anode rod that protects the unit from corrosion. You should also check the unit’s electrical wiring to ensure it complies with all local building and plumbing codes.
Tankless heaters
The main benefit of tankless heaters is that they don’t have a storage tank, which means they don’t waste energy heating water that kitchen water heater isn’t being used. They also tend to be smaller, which can make them more practical for homes with limited space for large water heaters.
These heaters work by using a heat exchanger that converts electricity into gas and then into hot water. The exchanger can be located in a wall or outside your home. There are two main types of tankless heaters: point-of-use and whole-house models. Point-of-use heaters heat water for just one or two outlets and are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and pools. You can use them with electric, natural or propane gas.
When you use a fixture that needs hot water, the system senses demand and activates. The unit then turns on and starts heating water through the heat exchanger. When you turn off the fixture, the process stops and the heat exchanger cools down. This type of heating process makes these units very efficient.
A downside of these water heaters is that they can’t supply as much hot water at once as a traditional storage tank water heater, which may lead to running out of hot water during peak demand. A good way to determine if a single tankless unit can meet your household’s demand is to add up the gallons-per-minute flow rate of all the fixtures and appliances in your house and then choose an appliance with a higher first-hour rating (FHR). If you live in an area prone to power outages, this type of water heater may not be the best option for you since it requires electricity to operate and regulate.
Condensing heaters
Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters, condensing tankless heaters use two heat exchangers to provide endless supply of hot water. The heat exchangers recycle energy by absorbing latent heat in the exhaust gases that would normally be vented out of the home. This helps to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption, saving customers money and cutting carbon emissions.
Like gas storage water heaters, these units combust natural gas or liquid propane to release energy (and exhaust/flue gases). ENERGY STAR certified models feature additional insulation and heat traps to help improve energy efficiency by up to 8%. They also help to prevent heat loss by utilizing the stale combustion exhaust gases to pre-heat the incoming piping and condensation drain.
Non-condensing tankless heaters have one heat electric boiler water heater exchanger and do not reuse the exhaust gases to heat water. They require a metal venting system capable of handling very high temperatures, which limits installation location options. However, they offer higher flow rates and have an efficiency rating of 0.96 UEF.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider a standard non-condensing unit. It’s still a great way to save energy, lower utility bills and reduce the risk of pathogens like Legionella. Talk to a Nick’s plumbing technician about your water needs to make sure you’re choosing the right size water heater.
Portable heaters
Portable heaters can bring warmth to spaces that your home’s HVAC system can’t reach. But not all are created equal, and different models use different heating technology to produce warmth. Menards has a wide selection of space heaters to meet your needs.
Electric space heaters are powered by electricity, with some models using a heating element to warm up water and others using convection to distribute heat throughout the room. Look for a model that is energy efficient and has a low wattage, as it will save you money on your utility bill.
Consider a smart space heater that is compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to control the appliance by voice command. Choose one with a thermostat to set the desired temperature and overheat protection to turn off the heater if it gets too hot. Look for a compact design that can fit in tight spaces and a tip-over switch to shut off the device when it’s knocked over.
There are also gas and liquid-fuel heaters that use combustion to heat a room. Look for models that are compatible with propane, as they are cheaper to operate than electrical models. The output of these appliances is rated in Btu per hour, with higher ratings indicating greater power. A good rule of thumb is to divide a space heater’s Btu rating by 3,411, as this will give you an approximate measurement in watts or kilowatts, which is the amount of electricity it uses each hour.
