If you are in the market to buy a new water heater, you have probably realized that you have tons of options to choose from out there. Just like when buying other home appliances, you want to know which water heater is best for your needs.
Below are some tips that can help you make the right purchase:
Know what Tank Size you are Looking For
The gallon capacity determines the amount of hot water you can use at a time. If your home has only 1-5 inhabitants, the recommended tank size for you is different from a space with 20 people. Generally, if you have not more than 2 people in the house, 23-36 gallons will usually suffice. If you have 3-5 users, consider 46-56 gallons. If you prefer to use a tankless or point-of-use water heater element, think about the tendency of needing more than a single unit in various areas of your home.
To determine the size of your water heater, consider the number of showers your home has and the number of bathrooms. Also, take into account if you tend to run several appliances at the same time such as the shower, washing machine, and dishwasher. If so, you must invest in a larger gallon capacity. If you have a big tub, Jacuzzi or whirlpool in your home and want to fill these up with hot water before you soak, the gallon capacity should be at least as big as the tub.
Consider Fuel Type and Energy Efficiency
Although gas water heaters might be the less expensive option to install, an electric water heater may save you more money. This is especially true of your utility company provides lower off-peak prices. Electric water heaters have a great number of highly efficient options. Also, they are usually cheap to install than other kinds. But, gas and propane water heaters are more energy-efficient than their electric counterparts, although they cost more upfront to install. Other types of water heaters you can choose include heat pump or hybrid water heaters which are more energy-efficient, less costly to run and are capable of standing alone or being added onto an existing water tank. Just make sure to do your homework. Look at your local electricity and gas rates, the installation cost every unit and see if which one can give you significant savings in the years to come. Also, look for the Energy Factor (EF) rating on the unit as this measures its efficiency in converting energy into heat and the amount of heat it lost during storage. Find energy-efficient water heaters at https://waterheaterreviewssite.com/.
Determine How Much you can Spend on a Water Heater
Determine if you can afford to spend money on multiple tankless water heaters or spend extra on a high-end hybrid water heater. On average, an electric water heater is priced $300-$600 while a gas heater is $300-$800. Tankless water heaters can be often bought from $300 to $1500 and hybrid from $1000 to $1400. Hybrid water heaters might be more expensive upfront than others; however, you must also factor in utility cost savings for the machine’s life.
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