There are several alternatives when purchasing a water heater. Because of the competitive heater sector, there are varieties of water heater brands available on the market, some are sold through deceptive marketing. It is important you conduct studies in order to identify the best option for your needs.
There are different types and sizes of water heaters to be considered. For instance, if you dwell in a mobile home, you may need to purchase a standard water heater or bathroom heater, which is developed specifically for mobile homes. To make a good selection, you should understand the distinction between a mobile home water heater and a standard water heater.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Mobile Home Water Heater
It is natural to consider mobile home water heaters, which are the same as standard water heaters. They perform the same function. There are certain distinctions that impede and prevent them from confusing the users. This is because mobile houses are referred to as manufactured homes, and the above-water heaters might well be branded differently.
Pros
- Long-term cost and energy savings
- Extended hot water supply
- Fewer spaces mean less chance of leakage and moisture damage
- There is no danger of the tank exploding
- Reduces chances of burns and toxic metal contact
- It has more than 20 years of life expectancy.
Cons
- The unit and setup are both expensive upfront
- Hot water delivery takes longer
- Sandwich made with cold water
- When many outlets are used, the temperature of the water is unstable
- Achieving a lukewarm temperature is challenging
- During a power outage, there is no availability of hot water.
Regular Water Heater Benefits and Drawbacks
Traditional or standard tank-type water heaters, powered by either electricity or gas, is the common style of water heaters found in many homes, and for a valid cause: they are adaptable, enabling you to utilize them in a different method of application.
Standard water heaters usually feature code compliances, which describe the minimal standards a water heater should satisfy in order to provide you with a safe and comfortable experience.
Pros
- There are no issues
- Installation is inexpensive
- Simple to repair
- The flow rate is high.
Cons
- Increased energy costs
- Installation is less adaptable
- Large area
- Life expectancy.
Difference Between Mobile Home Water Heater and Regular Water Heater
Although mobile and traditional water heaters fulfill the same function, the underlying distinctions illustrate why they should not be used interchangeably in all circumstances:
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Energy Supply
There can be 2 orifices or nozzles in a mobile water heater for propane gas and natural gas, along with other sources in certain circumstances.
In a standard water heater, there is usually one supply source for every particular unit. It should be noted, that this characteristic is the reason mobile home water heaters are more expensive than standard conventional water heaters in the initial instance.
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The capacity of the tank
Since they must be put in tiny places, mobile water heaters typically have far less capacity than normal water heaters. This is because mobile homes must make use of all available areas, while a water heater might be hidden behind a panel within the side, in a cabinet, beneath the sink, or even hung on the wall.
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Temperature Control
This is the same as regular water heaters, all mobile home water heaters are known to include a temperature and pressure relief valve.
While the mobile ones, on the other hand, use a non-adjustable temperature configuration. Regardless of the fact that T&P valves have become the complying standard on water heater devices, conventional residential water heater vessels allow users to modify the temperature configuration of the water as needed.
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Water Connection Location
Regular water heaters have most of the connection orifices at the base of the water heater tank; however, mobile water heaters typically feature them on the sides. The position of these orifices, nevertheless, has no bearing on the functioning of the water heater.
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Installation Costs
Since the engineer has a problem locating the connection point, installing a mobile water heater is usually more expensive. Nevertheless, when making comparisons, the difference is subtle.
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The Price of a Water Heater
With the same output, mobile home water heaters are frequently more costly than standard water heaters. Based on the type, the between a mobile home water heater and a regular water heater might be significant. In practice, acquiring a mobile home water heater will be more expensive than acquiring a normal water heater.
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Securing Strap Kit
The vessels of mobile houses are fastened to safeguard the tank during relocation. This strap must be purchased independently. It is also feasible to use a normal water heater fastening strap kit to safeguard the vessel during tectonic disturbances, and this strapping equally helps to keep the tank steady in typical dwellings.
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HUD Approvals
Whereas all water heaters must comply with HUD energy and safety criteria, mobile water heaters have distinct and harsher requirements, which affect the ultimate price of the mobile equipment for the homeowner.
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Insurance Premiums
Configurations of mobile home water heaters will result in increased insurance costs. Conventional water heaters, on the other hand, are covered by standard underwriting standards. In this regard, there is a clear difference between a mobile home water heater and a standard water heater.
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Plumbing Network Pipeline Arrangement
Another distinction between a mobile home water heater and a standard water heater is that prefabricated houses have a unique plumbing system most operators can handle. Rough-in, Top out, and finishing plumbing phases may vary.
Conclusion
Mobile home water heaters are somewhat more costly than traditional ones, and they’re also good enough to justify the additional cost because they take up less room and can be transported in a motor home. Owing to obligatory federal requirements including manufactured home construction and safety standards, traditional water heaters are not authorized to be installed in mobile homes.
As a result, homeowners with mobile homes should only use HUD-approved mobile water heaters. Note that only water heater devices that meet the HUD government department’s criteria will be used in mobile homes, as per the manufactured home construction and safety regulations.