The Ultimate Guide to Selecting a Commercial Water Heater

Reliable hot water is crucial for any commercial business, from restaurants to gyms to hotels. How do you go about choosing a commercial water heater that fulfills all of your needs? 24hr Supply has compiled the ultimate guide to selecting a commercial water heater.

Keep this buying guide in your pocket or bookmarked in your browser as you shop for the perfect heater. Which features should you look for in your next commercial water heating system? Learn more about what makes a fantastic commercial water heater, and when you’re ready to buy, choose from the selection at 24hr Supply.

The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Water Heaters

The primary difference between a commercial water heater and a heater meant for home use is the amount of water it will hold. The hot water needs of a single-family residence are vastly different from the needs of a hotel or even an office building.

Commercial water heaters are manufactured in a wide range of sizes to accommodate a variety of needs. Choosing the right water heater size for a commercial application is not a guessing game—you’ll need to know just how much hot water your commercial building needs.

Common Types of Commercial Water Heaters

There are a few different water heater styles commonly used in commercial applications. Some of the commercial water heaters you may find during the shopping process are detailed below.

Storage Tank

This is one of the most common water heater types on the market. It utilizes a storage tank to hold heated water and keep it at the desired temperature until the water is needed. Tank-type water heaters are commonly found in both residential and commercial applications; they’re a reliable hot water source and have been on the market for decades.

However, those storage tanks hold a finite amount of water. When the tank is empty, occupants of the building have to wait until it fills up again to enjoy hot water. In addition, tank-type water heaters use a great deal of energy to keep that water at the right temperature.

Tip:

Want to use a tank-type water heater and minimize energy loss from the stored water cooling down? Consider installing extra insulation around the storage tank so the water’s temperature remains more stable.

Tankless

If you want hot water on demand, think about installing at least one tankless commercial water heater. As the name implies, tankless water heaters do not utilize a storage tank for heated water; instead, they heat up water only when hot water is needed.

For commercial applications, installing more than one tankless heater is recommended. Install them near the appliances that are used most often so each one has its own access to hot water on demand.

Hybrid

Hybrid water heaters utilize elements of both tank-type and tankless water heaters. For the most part, they provide hot water on demand just like tankless heating systems do, but they also have small storage tanks that act as a reserve.

Many plumbing experts tout hybrid commercial water heaters as the best of both worlds. It’s difficult to run out of hot water when you have heating on demand and a reserve tank of pre-heated water.

Common Types of Fuel

How will you be fueling your commercial water heater? Ideally, you should replace the old water heater with one that uses the same fuel type and will require minimal adjustments to your plumbing system. Which fuel type is the most convenient for you?

Electricity

Many water heaters, especially tankless and hybrid models, use electricity as a heating element. If your commercial space was built recently, electricity as fuel may be the most convenient option for you.

Natural Gas

Gas-powered water heaters are extremely common as natural gas is highly efficient and easy to procure in many parts of the country. Gas fuel ignites flames that are used to heat water quickly and economically.

Oil

Oil as a heater fuel is similar to gas in that it helps ignite the flame that heats your water. However, you’ll also need an oil storage tank, and when it runs out, you’ll have to buy more oil to refill the tank. Fuel oil is sold in large quantities and can end up being both unwieldy and expensive.

Additional Considerations

Now that you know more about the water heater styles and fuel types available to you, think about your unique circumstances. Which type of heater are you replacing? How much hot water does your building use in a day? There is no single water heater that provides one-size-fits-all solutions for everyone.

Your Existing Plumbing System

Before you buy a new commercial water heater, look at your plumbing system and your existing heater. Identify any potential problems with your system and remedy them before installing a new water heater.

Additionally, you’ll want to replace your old water heater with a new heater of similar specifications. This way, you’ll avoid having to adjust your plumbing system too much to accommodate the new one.

Voltage

How much power does your commercial water heater need? A water heater fitted for an entire building is generally between 208 and 240 volts. This level of power helps heat large volumes of water quickly, making it ideal for businesses that use a lot of hot water, like hotels and gyms.

Heaters with lower voltage are great for businesses that don’t require as much hot water around the clock, such as offices and retail spaces. Plus, you’ll save money on your energy bill with a lower-voltage tankless option.

Energy Efficiency

As you shop for commercial water heaters, look for ENERGY STAR certifications. Water heaters with this label are highly efficient in their energy use without compromising output.

You shouldn’t need to choose between manageable energy costs and reliable water heating; these days, you don’t have to make that choice. Energy-efficient water heater models provide the best of both worlds.

Are you looking for commercial water heaters for sale? Keep this ultimate guide on hand as you shop in person or browse online. Selecting a commercial water heater requires some thought and knowledge about how water heaters work.

24hr Supply is here to help you make that choice. Browse our selection of commercial water heaters and use the knowledge you gained here to choose a heater that will fit your building perfectly.