Custom Home Water Heater Options

One of the best features of buying new construction is buying cutting-edge technology. In a custom home, your options are even more extensive! New home technology is better for the environment, often more reliable, and saves you money on utility costs.

One of the biggest driving factors in a home’s carbon footprint is its water heating system, and technology has come a long way in the past few decades. If you’re building a custom home with Absolute, you’ll have a myriad of options. Here are the basics you need to know.

Gas vs. Electric

Modern water heaters – with a few exceptions – heat the water through either natural gas or electricity. The main difference here comes down to upfront costs: gas heaters are usually more expensive to buy, but less expensive to operate due to the lower costs of gas vs. electricity.

Of course there are several variables at play here; for one, a home without an existing gas connection likely won’t benefit from adding a gas line just for a water heater. If you install solar panels, electric water heaters may also be a more attractive option.

Tank vs. Tankless

Growing up, your house likely had a tank water heater: a big giant drum in your crawlspace or garage that filled with water and kept it hot for immediate use. Though dated, the large size of most tanks makes them ideal for large households where multiple people may use hot water at once.

However, the energy costs of keeping that water hot can add up, which is where tankless water heaters come in. These smaller units heat water only as needed, providing significant long-term savings. Tankless water heaters are sometimes not as effective for multiple appliances at once; your builder will have to choose one with an appropriate flow rate depending on your usage requirements.

Other Options

Certain specialty water heaters exist that may or may not be suitable for your application.

• Heat Pump Water Heaters are ideal for warm climates because they extract heat from the air to heat the water. They are expensive but also the most efficient water heaters available.
• Condensing Storage Water Heaters use both gas and electricity for maximum efficiency – often over 90% – while offering the benefits of a tank water heater. They can cause significant noise.

Are you in the market for a sustainable, luxurious custom home? Absolute Construction specializes in energy-efficient custom homes that blend modern technology with timeless architecture and craftsmanship. Contact us today to make your own vision come to life!