How to Buy a Water Heater

Know the facts before you buy a hot water heater.

The hot water heater is a must-have appliance for every household. While enjoying a refreshing shower, soaking in a warm bath, or washing dishes is an everyday routine for most homeowners, we don't think much about it when the hot water heater is working efficiently. Yet like all other appliances, water heaters aren't made to last forever and eventually break down. Here's what you need to know before you buy a new hot water heater.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pen and paper

Instructions

1. Determine how much hot water your family needs on a daily basis. How big is your family? Does everyone take a shower in the morning, every day? Do you currently need to stagger shower use due to slow recovery times and/or low hot water capacity? Do you use low flow faucets and shower heads? Larger families also require more frequent use of hot water appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Do you find heated water lacking when you run it at more than two points in the home? All these are important questions to ask when considering whether you need a new hot water heater.

2. Determine water heater capacity. If you find you need a new hot water heater, check its current capacity. 30 to 40 gallons is sufficient for two people; 40 gallons for three. For four people, purchase a 40 to 50 gallon water heater; and for five or more residents, 50 to 80 gallons. Also calculate recovery rate - the speed at which the water heater heats an amount of water in gallons that can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) in one hour. If the homeowner uses hot water faster than the appliance can produce it, the recovery rate drops.

3. Determine hot water energy type. The easiest option is to select the same energy type as your current water heater. However, if you don't mind paying more for an Eco friendly appliance which will save you money over the long run, you can consult a plumber about switching energy types.

4. Measure the area around your current water heater. Measure your current appliance height to get an idea of what size you need to match. Measure floorspace around the footprint of the unit, and the dimensions of the closet in which the water heater is placed. For shorter shelf units, measure shelf to ceiling, then side wall to side wall, then back wall to shelf edge. If you are upgrading to a higher capacity water heater, make sure it will fit in the space.

5. Determine energy efficiency. For the most energy efficient water heater, look for the Energy Star label. While shopping for your new hot water heater, inspect the yellow Energy Guide label. You are looking for information on three energy factors: capacity, estimated yearly operating cost, and estimated yearly electricity use in kilowatt hours (kWh). Also find out about the Energy Factor. The higher the number, the more efficient the appliance. For example, .90 is more efficient in an electric water heater than .87.

Tips & Warnings

• For the ultimate in energy efficiency, consider a solar water heater.

• A tankless water heater is installed on a wall and heats water as it passes through the unit rather than storing hot water in a tank. The result is far higher energy efficiency and quick access to hot water throughout the home; however it may not be the right choice for large families.

• .

Resources

• Energy Star: Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency
• Consumer Energy Center: Water Heaters