Choosing a New Water Heater for Your Home

When selecting a new water heater for your home there are a number of important things to consider. First, you need to ensure that the water heater will provide enough hot water during peak demand. Second, water heaters are rated for efficiency, which is found on the EnergyStar label. You will want to choose a model that costs less to operate. And finally, there are very different technologies available to heat water. Do you want a conventional tank style water heater? Or do you want an endless supply of hot water from a tankless water heater?

What Size Water Heater Do You Need?

When choosing a water heater the size of the tank is an important consideration. Another consideration is the “First Hour Rating”. The First Hour Rating is a calculation that determines the performance capabilities of a water heater within the first hour of use when recovered to the thermostat setting. It’s a measure of how efficiently a water heater can maintain a constant temperature. When a plumber installs your new water heater, he will ask questions about the size of the household and hot water usage to match the demand with the size of the unit.

Tankless or Conventional Water Heater?

If your current water heater struggles to provide enough hot water, there are two options. You can upgrade to a larger tank style water heater, or convert to a newer, tankless style water heater.  While tank water heaters have the lowest initial purchase price, they typically have a shorter lifespan and use more energy by having to keep a large volume of water hot continuously. Installing a water heater blanket can reduce heat loss and lower energy use.

Tankless water heaters heat water only when it’s needed, meaning less energy is used and there is a continuous supply of hot water. While they are more expensive to install, they typically last more than 20+ years and can save up to 34 percent on energy costs.

Have questions about hot water heaters? Call ABC Southwest. Our hot water experts can answer all your questions.