How to Choose a Water Heater: A Buying Guide

Storage tank water heaters are the most common type of water heaters They’re available in electric models as well as natural gas and liquid propane models. These household appliances heat water and store it in an insulated tank until you need it. To determine an estimate of the energy efficiency and yearly operating costs of each model, look at the product label in the store or product description online.

Advantages of these water heaters include flexible sizing that fits in both tall and compact spaces. Electric models can be energy-efficient in all climates, and the repair and replacement costs are relatively low. Additionally, water heaters powered by gas or propane withstand electrical outages that may occur.

Tankless, or on-demand, water heaters don’t store hot water. Instead, they heat water as it passes through a series of coils in the unit. A tankless heater is usually more energy-efficient than a traditional storage tank water heater because the unit only heats water as you use it and, therefore, it doesn’t have to keep unused water hot. A tankless unit provides a limited flow rate of hot water — most tankless units can provide up to 7.5 gallons of heated water per minute. making them a good choice for those who don’t typically require hot water from more than two places in their home at a time.

Other benefits of tankless water heaters include a space-saving design that frees up valuable storage space. Because these units don’t hold water, they eliminate the risk of leaky or burst tanks. Tankless water heaters do have drawbacks, however. They’re typically more expensive than conventional units and you may need extra units to ensure appliances have an adequate hot water supply.

Small storage tank water heaters, known as point-of-use (POU) or utility water heaters, are good choices for adding hot water to outbuildings, shops or garages. Utility water heaters usually range in size from 2-1/2 to 19 gallons. The largest of these heaters can also be used to provide hot water to secondary bathrooms that may be situated far from your home’s main water heater.

Mobile homes require a specific kind of water heater which must be approved by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You can purchase both gas and electric water heaters for mobile homes, but if you select gas, be sure to buy the correct type — propane or natural gas — for your connection.

If these units are enclosed with no outside access, you’ll need to select a sealed combustion gas water heater. When you have outside access, standard gas water heaters are typically sufficient. Make sure to check your measurements carefully before installation as door openings in mobile homes have smaller-than-average sizing.

Running a business that requires a high volume of hot water, like a restaurant, hotel or laundromat, requires a commercial water heater. Storage tanks are common, but there can also be uses for tankless. These units can include a storage tank or be tankless, depending upon the amount of hot water the business uses. The majority of commercial water heaters are gas-powered models because they’re more efficient than electric models.

Available for electric water heaters, this feature keeps the upper element from burning out if the unit senses no water around it.

ENERGY STAR^® Certification and High-Efficiency Ratings

ENERGY STAR^® certified water heaters will display the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. This rating helps consumers save money while protecting the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.

Manufacturers indicate water-heating efficiency with an energy factor (EF) rating. The higher the EF, the more efficient the model. While some of the most high-efficiency water heater models may be slightly more expensive, they’re designed to save you money in the long run.

Compare the performance and operating costs of different water heater models by looking at the EnergyGuide label. This information gives you an idea of performance expectations and estimated annual operating costs for the water heater model you’re considering.

Water heaters with intuitive technology adjust temperature and other operating features according to your specific needs and use patterns. Benefits of choosing a heater equipped with this kind of responsive technology include better energy efficiency, increased durability and smarter performance.

Certain gas water heaters now feature an electronic gas valve. With fewer moving parts than a conventional mechanical gas valve, these water heaters yield more reliable and accurate performance for better temperature control and faster recovery of hot water. An LED indicator confirms the pilot is lit and provides diagnostic feedback on operating performance. This innovative valve is self-powered by a thermopile, which is a device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. Since an external power source isn’t required, installation is hassle-free.

A Wi-Fi module is now available in select electric water heaters that lets you control your water temperature remotely. You can customize your schedule to ensure hot water availability in your water heater tank only when you need it, saving you money on your energy bill. These units also send an alert if your tank is low on hot water.

Expansion tanks hold the additional volume of water that the heater produces when heating cold water in the main tank. These accessories connect to your standard water heater tank through your plumbing.

Cut down on energy use and save money by running the water heater only when you need it. You can wire a hot water heater timer into the unit’s electrical supply and set it so the water heater only draws electricity at specified times.

Water leak detectors sit either on the floor or in the pan beside the water heater. They sense any leakage or overflow and emits an audible alarm to alert the homeowner to a problem. Some of these alarms are compatible with Wi-Fi and able to send alerts to a smartphone.

These blankets are made to fit over the unit and improves the insulating ability of the water heater. Insulating blankets are best for heaters that reside in garages or other unheated spaces.

These pans sit under the heater and collect water from leaks or overflows caused by excess pressure in the tank. The pan has an opening in the side for a drain hose to carry away any overflow water.

Water heater stands raise gas units off the ground and reduce the risk of fire if flammable liquid spills nearby. If you’re replacing an old water heater and adding a stand to your new one, this addition affects your measurements, plumbing and venting. Unless you have advanced plumbing skills, you should hire a professional to install it.

Maintaining your water heater ensures optimal energy efficiency and gives you a chance to visually inspect components, helping you get a handle on small issues before they become big problems. Here are some basic tasks required to maintain your hot water heater over time. Also, follow the maintenance care recommendations by the hot water heater’s manufacturer.

• Once or twice a year, visually inspect the water heater, looking for loose screws and connections and obvious signs of damage or leaks.
• To improve water quality, flush the tank twice annually to remove any sediment or buildup that may be accumulated at the bottom of the tank.
• Ensure your temperature and pressure (T&P) valve is working properly.
• Inspect the sacrificial anode rod and replace it if it’s deteriorated,

To keep your water heater operating smoothly, get the information you need on How to Maintain a Water Heater.

If you’re not a DIYer and need some help with performing regular water heater maintenance, contact a professional.

A residential water heater, whether with a tank or tankless, is meant to provide heated water on demand for activities like running a washing machine or filling a bathtub. Storage tank models usually hold up to 80 gallons and the recommended water temperature for residential units is 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent scalding and burns on users.

Commercial water heaters must provide a constant, steady supply of hot water for users. Businesses like restaurants, hotels, office buildings and apartments must have a ready reserve of hot water to keep things running smoothly. Unlike residential water heaters, manufacturers design commercial units for constant use. They’re larger, capable of storing 250 gallons or more, and have heavy-duty components to handle the rigors of high demand. Commercial water heaters also have a higher temperature setting to heat water for sanitary dishwashing and washing towels and bed linens. Most commercial units are gas-powered, with multiple inputs for large tanks.

Manufacturers classify storage tank water heaters by the amount of water they hold in gallons. To ensure that your household has enough hot water, it’s important to determine how much hot water you need on average. Unless you choose a tankless water heater, you’ll need a larger tank for a larger household.

Another consideration for a storage tank water heater is the recovery rate, or the number of gallons of water it can heat in an hour while refilling the tank. The greater your demand for hot water, the higher recovery rate you need. This means you also need to consider the number of fixtures or appliances your water heater must support simultaneously.

If you want to know what to look for in a water heater so it’s adequate for your household, use these recommendations as a guide. If you intend to use a tank-style model, use the guidance below to help you find the water heater size you need.

Minimum Gallon-Capacity Recommendations

Electric Water Heater

• Family of 1 to 2: 30 gallons
• Family of 2 to 3: 40 gallons
• Family of 3 to 4: 50 gallons
• Family of 5 or More: 80 gallons

Gas Water Heater

• Family of 1 to 2: 30 gallons
• Family of 2 to 4: 40 gallons
• Family of 5 or More: 50 gallons

If your space can’t accommodate a standard-size water heater, there are alternatives. These options provide the same level of performance as a standard water heater and are available for electric, natural gas or propane systems.

Lowboy and Short Water Heater Space Requirements

These electric models are shorter and wider than a normal water heater. This size of water heater holds the same amount of water as its larger counterparts while fitting in areas with limited headroom, such as crawlspaces and under cabinets. Lowboy water heater sizes can vary between 30 and 49 inches in height and hold up to 50 gallons of water.

Tall Water Heater Space Requirements

Gas and electric tall water heaters have size ranges from 50 to 76 inches tall and can hold up to 100 gallons of water. They’re ideal for basements or garages where height isn’t an issue. If you choose a hybrid water heater, note that it requires extra space to function properly, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s information for proper installation.