When it’s time to replace a broken or damaged water heater, commercial businesses have several options. Should you install a gas or electric commercial water heater? What about the tank? Do you want to go with a tankless model or one with a tank? We’ll look at the various types of commercial water heaters so you can make the right choice for your business.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
If your old commercial water heater used a tank, switching to a tankless model can cause some anxiety. However, there are some reasons why it may make sense to install an electric tankless water heater.
Tankless Water Heaters
Even though a tankless water heater does not store water in a tank, you still have a reliable supply of hot water on demand. Tankless water heaters are also energy-efficient. You are not using electricity to constantly heat water stored in the tank.
Did you know tankless water heaters are more sanitary than models with tanks? The lack of a tank lowers the risk of bacteria and hard water scaling developing in the system.
Another reason to consider installing a commercial tankless water heater is its smaller size, making it a good option for businesses without dedicated boiler rooms.
Tankless Water Heaters for Restaurants
The advantages you get from a tankless water heater make them a good option for restaurants. The reduced chance of developing bacteria like hard water scale and other common pathogens is always beneficial for any business serving food.
Restaurants can also take advantage of the energy savings, which can help lower overall operating costs.
Commercial Gas Tank Water Heaters
Commercial gas tank water heaters are a popular option for businesses. While electric tankless water heaters are energy-efficient, gas is typically cheaper overall than electricity. This equals additional energy savings, which all types of businesses can appreciate.
Electric vs. Gas Water Heaters
Choosing between an electric or gas water heater can be confusing. Sometimes, the decision is out of your control. If you have existing gas connections, it often makes more financial sense to stick with a gas water heater. While our technicians at CS Mechanical can switch you from gas to electricity, it does come as an expense.
However, there are a few differences between the two types of commercial water heaters that you may want to consider.
Gas water heaters are often larger and require venting for safety. Gas water heaters also require a little more maintenance than electric models. If you are unsure which type of commercial water heater is right for your business, don’t hesitate to ask CS Mechanical for advice.
Power Vent Water Heater
Businesses looking to save on energy costs may consider a power vent water heater. The vents are positioned horizontally, and the water heater uses the warmth from the exhaust to heat the water instead of relying solely on gas or electricity.
50 Gallon Water Heater
Commercial businesses that use hot water, like restaurants, will want to consider tank size. You don’t want to run out of hot water during the lunch or dinner rush.
A 50-gallon water heater has a large capacity tank, capable of keeping up with busy restaurants and other types of businesses. Best of all, these large-capacity water heaters are durable and long-lasting. With proper maintenance from CS Mechanical, your commercial water heater will last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether your commercial water heater needs routine maintenance or it’s time to install a new one, contact the experts at CS Mechanical.
How long do commercial water heaters last?
With regular maintenance, most commercial water heaters have a lifespan between 8 to 12 years. Some can keep going for 15 years before it needs replacing.
Are heat pump water heaters more efficient than natural gas?
If energy savings are a priority at your business, you may want to go with a neat pump water heater. Heat pump water heaters can be up to three times more efficient than traditional electric water heaters. They are also up to 50% more energy-efficient than gas models.
Switching to a heat pump water heater can result in significant savings on your energy bills.
Do natural gas water heaters need electricity?
Gas water heaters use a pilot light instead of electricity to heat water. This means the water heater does not use electricity and will continue working even during a power outage.
How long does a water heater last?
A few factors determine the lifespan of a commercial water heater, like frequency of use and maintenance schedule. However, most commercial water heaters have a lifespan ranging from 8 to 15 years.
How to flush a water heater?
Flushing a water heater involves several steps that include turning off the gas, water, and the unit’s thermostat. From there, connect the drainage spigot to a hose and start draining.