How to Choose a Gas Water Heater
There are many reasons to opt for gas water heaters in your home if you are replacing your old water heater. They tend to heat the water a lot faster than electric heaters, which means you can use more hot water without waiting for the water to heat up. Gas water heaters also use less energy than electric water heaters, and sometimes only cost about half as much to heat your water. For most houses, water heating is one of the things that uses the most energy, so being more energy efficient with your water heater can save you a great deal of money in the long run. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Get the right size water heater for your home and your specific needs. If you have a water heater tank that is too small, you can run out of hot water. Many homes use a 40-gallon tank on their water heater, but your needs may vary. If you own a large bathtub or if you like to take long, hot showers, consider a large capacity water heater.
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Examine the first-hour rating on a tank, which will tell you how much hot water it is capable of releasing at one time. This is important, because if you get one with a first hour rating much higher than your needs, you are wasting money by heating up more water than you're going to use. If you buy one with too low a first hour rating, you may end up running out of hot water.
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Look at its energy rating. A higher number means it is more fuel efficient. This is better for the environment as well as being much cheaper to use over time. Even if a heater with a good energy rating costs a bit more, it will make up for it in the long run because you will save more money than one with a lower energy rating. It's important to look for a water heater that will provide you with the right amount of hot water that you will reasonably use at one time, and for it to heat your water without wasting too much energy.
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Consider the quality of the brand name. With water heaters, as with many other appliances, you usually end up getting what you pay for. A cheap heater may not work as well, or it may not be energy efficient, so it will cost you more to use over time. Ask a reputable plumber for recommendations or consult an unbiased source of information--such as Consumer Reports--for comparisons of various brands.
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Look at the warranties on the heaters. Longer warranties may cost more, but you are paying for the peace of mind of not having to worry so much if your heater breaks or is defective.
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Tips & Warnings
When calculating how much hot water you use, think about appliances that use hot water--such as dishwashers--as well as daily uses of hot water like showering and bathing.
