Commercial water heaters are used to economically deliver large amounts of hot water to large residences, apartment complexes, restaurants, hotels, schools and other industrial buildings. Commercial water heaters can last more than 10 years, but water softeners and thermal expansion can shorten their lifespan. One simple thing you can do to care for your water heater is to check the sacrificial anode regularly. The sacrificial anode is a magnesium or aluminum rod that stops electrolysis from corroding the metal tank, and it must be replaced promptly when it's worn.
When looking for a hot water heater for your industrial project, consider whether you prefer a gas water heater or an electric water heater. Do space issues mean a tankless water heater should also be considered? You may also be interested in what kind of insulation the water heater uses and what sort of access you'll have to the water heater once it's installed, in case you need to clean it or adjust the settings.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are considered the "green" option when choosing a commercial water heater. They typically have less stand-by heat loss, since the water isn't sitting in metal or plastic tanks around the commercial facility. They're installed to provide point-of-use access to the hot water heater instead of piping the water around the building. This can save money in the long run. Their downside is the initial investment cost, since tankless water heaters will need to be installed at every point in the facility where hot water access is required. However, tankless water heaters do provide a more consistent flow of hot water and more precise temperature controls.
Gas Water Heater
Gas water heaters are the most common industrial water heater type, because gas can heat water more quickly than electricity. They are also typically less expensive to operate. However, gas water heaters need to be firmly affixed the structures supporting them, since they present more of a fire hazard than electric water heaters do.
Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are most often chosen because of their ease of maintenance. Because the temperature is controlled by an electric thermostat, you have greater control over how hot your water gets. However, it may take longer for the water to reach the desired temperature, and electricity is more expensive in almost all circumstances. However, the electric water heater can become slightly more efficient when installed with proper insulation that reduces standby heat loss.
