Guide To Choosing The Right Water Heater

It’s not often that you have to think about your water heater, but when it’s time for a replacement, it’s important to choose the right one. With so many different types and models on the market, it can be stressful selecting the right water heater for your home. Don’t fret. Here is a guide to choosing the right water heater. So, whether you are building a new home or just replacing an old water heater, read on for tips on how to choose the right one.

Size

This is a vital factor to consider when selecting a water heater. You will want to make sure that the unit is not too small or too large for the space in which it will be placed. It is also important to ensure that the unit can handle the amount of water that you use daily. A good rule of thumb is to choose a water heater with a capacity that is two to four times the size of your household.

Fuel Type

Several different types of fuel can be used to power a water heater. The most common types of fuel sources for water heaters are natural gas, propane, electricity, and solar power. Each type has its pros and cons, so be sure to do your research before making a decision.

Cost

When choosing a water heater, it is important to consider the upfront cost as well as the long-term costs. Some water heaters may be less expensive to purchase, but they may end up costing you more in the long run due to higher energy bills. It is important to calculate the estimated annual cost of each type of water heater before making your final decision.

Energy Efficient

You will want to select a water heater that is energy efficient. This will help to save money on your energy bill and also help to reduce your carbon footprint. There are several ways to determine if a water heater is energy efficient.

One way is to look for the Energy Star label. This label means that the unit meets or exceeds the minimum standards for energy efficiency set by the EPA. Another way to tell if a unit is energy efficient is to look at the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating measures the percentage of fuel that is converted into usable heat. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the unit is. Some of the most common types of energy-efficient water heaters include:

• Tankless water heaters: These units do not have a storage tank and only heat water when it’s needed. This makes them very energy efficient as there is no heat loss from a stored tank of hot water.
• Solar water heaters: These water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat water. They are efficient as they do not rely on fossil fuels to operate.
• Condensing water heaters: These units are very efficient as they recover heat from the exhaust gases to help heat the water.

Warranty

Be sure to check the warranty before making your purchase. Most water heaters come with a standard warranty, but some offer extended warranties for an additional cost. This is something to consider if you want peace of mind in knowing that your investment is protected.

Now that you know some basic water heater information and how to choose the right water heater, it’s time to start shopping. Be sure to compare a variety of units before making your final decision. Once you have selected the perfect water heater for your home, be sure to follow the installation instructions carefully to avoid any problems. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can choose to hire a qualified professional to do the job. Improper installation can lead to serious problems such as water damage, gas leaks, and even fire.

Categorised in: Water Heater