Many homeowners are familiar with tank-style water heaters that store a finite amount of hot water; when this has run out, waiting until it refills can take time.
You may be wondering, however, what the difference is between a residential and commercial water heater. This article will go over what you need to know.
If you live in the Glenview area and are looking for plumbing services, check out this page.
Table of Contents
Size
Manufacturers offer water heaters designed for both residential and commercial applications that may seem similar, yet when examined closely, their features and specifications become evident.
Residential tanks only hold 100 gallons; commercial models feature larger capacities with greater energy demands.
Whether your facility requires one large water heater or multiple smaller units, the key factor for success is finding a system with appropriate dimensions. Too small would leave peak operating hours without enough hot water; too large would cost too much upfront capital costs and long-term operational expenses.
Commercial storage-type water heaters may be sized according to either water demand per capita or fixture count, depending on their intended building type and occupancy mix. HVAC applications provide recommended capacity profiles for different building types, such as office buildings, apartment complexes, hotels and restaurants.
Multi-family units may benefit from installing one large water heater to serve all their units on one electrical service panel or shared pipework, saving both money and maintenance efforts.
But to be effective, the unit must be capable of handling a heavy load; otherwise, it will cycle too frequently, shortening equipment life by cycling on and off frequently and increasing energy use compared with running with constant loads.
Temperature
Residential water heaters usually operate at lower temperatures, while commercial models are designed to deliver hotter temperatures as a safety feature to protect plumbing systems from damage.
Furthermore, commercial units offer greater temperature controls to meet different hot water demands across buildings.
Safety
Commercial plumbing systems tend to be more intricate than their residential counterparts, making them more susceptible to damage from leaks or issues with the water heater. Water heaters in businesses must also be designed specifically to handle higher temperatures to kill germs and avoid scalding incidents.
Residential water heaters must be carefully selected to match the heating requirements of homes. So, before making your purchase decision, have your new water heater inspected.
Additionally, homeowners should take other safety measures regarding water heaters. One is flushing their water heater regularly to help remove scale, which will not only extend its life but reduce risky mineral deposits forming on its interior components.
Keep combustible materials away from your water heater to avoid fires or accidental gas fumes. Additionally, if your gas-fired water heater requires maintenance or servicing, ensure to install a carbon monoxide monitor to detect leaks or issues that could lead to poisoning and alert you.
Installation
Installation of a water heater can differ depending on its intended use in either a commercial or residential setting. While both require professional installation, there are key differences to consider when deciding which type of water heater is best for your home or business.
Residential water heaters are typically installed in a central location within the home, such as a basement or utility closet. They are usually smaller in size and can easily be installed in tight spaces.
As mentioned earlier, commercial water heaters are typically larger in size and have higher energy demands. This makes it more challenging to find a suitable location for installation, especially in older buildings that may not have the necessary space or infrastructure.
Commercial water heaters are usually installed in a dedicated mechanical room or utility closet, away from occupied spaces to avoid potential hazards. They often require permits and inspections before installation can occur.
Additionally, commercial water heaters may need additional equipment, such as expansion tanks, recirculation pumps, and backflow preventers to meet building codes and ensure proper functioning.