A Guide to Selecting the Ideal Water Heater

October 9, 2024
Water heater service in Erie County, NY

Whenever you wash dishes or take a shower, the water needs to be heated up. This process is only possible if you have a water heater in your home. If you have an older water heater that’s nearing the end of its lifespan, consider modern units that offer better features and more efficiency. When you’re in the market for a new water heater, this buyer’s guide can help you narrow your options.

Consider the Water Heater Capacity

Before you buy a water heater, consider its capacity. Residential water heaters with tanks can hold anywhere from 40 to 70 gallons at a time. The size you purchase depends on the amount of water your home consumes and the number of people that live there.

The amount of water you use during the day should be higher than the capacity of the unit you buy. A unit’s first-hour rating tells you how many gallons the water heater can provide in an hour when it has a full tank. This number is listed on the Energy Guide label.

If you’re buying a tankless water heater, you don’t need to worry about the first-hour rating. Instead, focus on the gallons-per-minute (GPM) rating, which indicates how much hot water you’ll receive during a specific period. A high GPM means that the unit can deliver more hot water.

Types of Water Heaters

Among the most important considerations when buying a new water heater is the type of unit you choose for your home. Each type of water heater has unique features.

Heat Pump Water Heater

These water heaters take heat from the surrounding air before transferring it to the water. This type of unit can reduce your energy costs by around 50% in comparison to traditional water heaters. Heat pump water heaters require around five to seven feet of clearance during the installation process.

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters don’t store water. Instead, they use heating coils to ensure the water is heated when you request it. While these units are more energy-efficient than ones with storage tanks, they provide a limited amount of hot water. Tankless water heaters can be powered by electricity or natural gas.

Solar Water Heater

Solar water heaters include a roof-mounted cell that’s designed to absorb heat from the sun. This heat is then transferred to a fluid within the system that warms the water. These units provide ample energy savings during the summer season. You can reduce the high upfront costs with the Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit, which is a federal rebate.

Condensing Water Heater

Condensing water heaters are gas-based units that accommodate capacities above 55 gallons. While most natural gas systems send exhaust gases out of the flue, this process can waste energy. Condensing water heaters work by capturing the exhaust gases to help heat the water.

Storage Water Heater

Storage heaters come with an insulated tank that heats and stores water until needed. These units are equipped with valves that can open to reduce the temperature and pressure if they rise above specific levels. If you buy a water heater that runs on natural gas, it shouldn’t use as much energy as an electric heater. However, gas units may have higher upfront costs.

Features to Look Out For

The warranty for a water heater can range from three to 12 years. Water heaters with lengthier warranties may have higher-quality components or thicker insulation. You can also find water heater models that are equipped with anti-scale functionality. Scale is a hardened mineral substance that can build up on the walls of these units. An anti-scale feature may help boost a unit’s efficiency.

Keep in mind that these heaters can also be outfitted with digital displays for more convenient monitoring of water levels. If you buy a solar water heater, the display may show tank temperatures and pressure readings. Water heaters can come with plastic or brass drain valves. Brass valves offer more durability than plastic ones.

Do you need to install a new water heater in your Orchard Park home? At Vastola Heating & Cooling, you can schedule our installation services for any water heater you buy. Our technicians have the expertise necessary to work with brands like Lennox, Rinnai, and Rheem. We also provide a comprehensive selection of services, including electrical, HVAC, cooling and heating services, and generator offerings. Call Vastola Heating & Cooling today to request our water heater services.

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