10 Things to Consider When Buying a Water Heater for Your Home

When you think about it, the water heater is probably one of the least glamorous appliances in your home. It’s not something that guests see when they visit, and it doesn’t have much of an impact on the look or feel of your house. But a good water heater can be an essential part of your day-to-day life. After all, when hot water isn’t readily available, it can seriously hamper your ability to get ready and go about your day. If you’re looking for ways to improve the functionality or aesthetics of your current system, exploring new water heaters is an excellent first step. There are many different types of water heaters out there with a variety of pros and cons. To help you navigate these options, we’ve compiled this helpful guide filled with ten things to consider when buying a water heater for your home.

Check the Ratings

The first thing to check when evaluating different water heater models is the energy efficiency rating. The Department of Energy’s Water Heater Selection Guide includes information about water heater energy efficiency on the agency’s website. When comparing models, make sure to factor in the estimated cost over a 10-year period. This cost is determined by the unit’s energy usage, so a more energy-efficient model will save you money in the long-run. Another rating you should consider is the water heater’s flow rate. This is the amount of water the heater can heat per minute. The flow rate is key to determining the size of water heater you’ll need for your home.

Storage or Tankless?

Perhaps the most significant decision you’ll have to make when purchasing a water heater is whether to purchase a storage water heater or a tankless water heater. A storage water heater is a traditional system that uses a large storage tank to hold hot water. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, heats water as you need it. For many homeowners, the advantages of installing a tankless water heater outweigh the benefits of installing a traditional storage heater. But before you make the decision to go tankless, keep in mind that installing a tankless water heater may require some additional research and work. Plus, the cost to install a tankless system is often higher than the cost to install a traditional storage unit.

Determining Your Heating Capacity

When purchasing a water heater, you’ll need to consider the amount of water your household will be using. You can do this by first calculating the total gallons per day (GPD) of your household. You can then use this number to determine your minimum BTU output. The amount of water you need to heat can also be influenced by your climate and the time of year. The Department of Energy recommends that you purchase a water heater with a capacity at least as large as the GPD of your household. This way, you won’t find yourself fighting to keep up with daily hot water demands.

Thermal Efficiency

The rate at which a water heater can heat water is called its thermal efficiency. Another important factor is how quickly it can bring the water temperature up to your desired setting. A good water heater will have a high thermal efficiency and a shorter recovery time. The thermal efficiency of a water heater can vary depending on the model you choose. Depending on your personal preferences, you may want a heater that heats water quickly, or you may want to prioritize a water heater that heats water efficiently. Keep in mind, however, that the more efficiently a water heater heats water, the longer you’ll have to wait for hot water.

Hot Water Comfort

If you have an older water heater and you’re struggling with keeping the temperature consistent, it may be time for a replacement. Newer water heaters offer better temperature regulation than older models. If you have children or pets, you may want to consider a water heater with a lower temperature setting. This can help prevent scalding and other injuries related to hot water.

Environmental Impact

If you’re concerned about the environment, you may want to consider installing a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters use less energy than storage units and release less CO2 into the atmosphere. When replacing your water heater, you may want to consider investing in a more energy-efficient model. There are plenty of high-efficiency water heaters available on the market. You can also help the environment by following these tips while your water heater is still in good condition: * Insulate your water heater. * Schedule annual maintenance. * Reduce your water heater’s temperature setting. * Use the right water heater for your household size.

Safety Features

Newer water heaters feature many innovative safety features. If you’re installing a new water heater, you may want to look for one of these models. You should also consider what safety features your current system has. Is your water heater installed properly? Does it have the appropriate gas and electrical connections? If your water heater has been installed for a while, but it doesn’t have any safety features, installing a new system with these features can help protect your family.

Repair and Warranty Costs

Even if the water heater you purchase is top-of-the-line, it will eventually need to be replaced. Whether you go with a traditional water heater or a tankless system, there will come a time when it will need to be replaced. When you install a new water heater, make sure you understand the costs associated with repairs and maintenance. A warranty can help cover these costs, but you should also be prepared to pay a little extra upfront to cover installation costs.

Convenient Features

If you’re installing a new water heater, you may have some flexibility in terms of features and options. While you may not have a huge amount of control over the type of water heater you can install, you can have some input on features such as the temperature setting and how much space it takes up in your home. Before you purchase a new water heater, make sure you know the capacity of your current system. This will help you to determine the size of the water heater you’ll need to install.

Conclusion

A water heater is a necessity for most homes. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. In this guide, we’ve covered important considerations like the type of system, the amount of water your household will be using, and the amount of space a new system will take up in your home. A water heater is an essential part of any home and is something that can easily be replaced or improved on. Whether you’re shopping for a new water heater or replacing an older system with a newer, more efficient model, there are plenty of options out there. With this guide, we hope you’ve gained a better understanding of the types of water heaters out there and the features they offer. Armed with this knowledge, you should be able to make an informed decision when shopping for a water heater.