Commercial Vs. Residential Water Heater: What's The Difference?

 Commercial Vs. Residential Water Heater: What's The Difference?

There are many differences between commercial vs. residential water heaters. If you are contemplating a commercial water heating system rather than a residential water heater for your household, we have put together several differences that can help you determine the most ideal unit to cater to your unique needs. For assistance on water heater installation and repairs, get in touch with Water Heating Direct to enjoy premium products and first-rate service.

Cost of a Commercial Water Heater

Water heaters can generally be replaced for approximately $700 to $800 and go up to $2,000 per unit. Water heaters without tanks will cost more with prices ranging from $2,500 to $4,500. Tankless water heaters, however, are much more energy-saving and can help you save a great amount on water heating costs per month.

How Long Do Commercial Water Heaters Last?

A typical model of commercial water heater that is properly maintained and cared for should last for at least 20 years. The electronics on newer models of hot water systems may not necessarily last that long but the rest of the equipment is designed to create lots of hot water without many issues for an extended period of time.

Are Commercial Water Heaters Better?

In some cases, commercial water heaters might prove to be much more effective when used within a residential setting. In situations where a water heater provides heat for domestic water usage and living space, a commercial boiler can accommodate simultaneous demands much better as compared to a standard residential water heater.

Weight of Commercial Water Heaters

It really depends on its use and the type of commercial water heater. Tank water heaters usually weigh around 100 to 150 lbs whereas tankless water heaters can weigh around 10 to 85 lbs. For commercial water heaters, they can weigh much heavier than 750 lbs.

Differences Between a Commercial vs. Residential Water Heater

  • Residential water heaters are designed for on-demand use or as and when hot water is needed like when running a dishwasher or a bath. The continuous use that is often needed for commercial applications would easily surpass a residential water heater faster than expected and thus need excessive maintenance or even replacements. 
  • For the safety aspect of water heater usage, a commercial water heater gets significantly hotter as compared to residential water heaters. Thus, consider a residential water heater if you are highly concerned about potential burns and scalds. Commercial water heaters are generally used by professionals in various settings. These professionals are trained to handle the higher temperatures according to guidelines so as to prevent any injuries. 
  • A commercial water heater is also designed to handle up to 250 gallons of hot water whereas a residential water heater can usually handle up to just 100 gallons of hot water. Depending on your water usage habits, select the right type that best suits your personal needs.
  • A residential water heater also supports 75,000 BTUs whereas a commercial water heater can support up to 1,000,000 BTUs. To ensure that your electricity grid is able to accommodate the type of water heater that you choose, always consult a professional to install the respective water heater to prevent tripping.