Tips for Buying a Residential Hot Water Heater
By Rochelle Caviness
Whether you are buying a hot water heater for the first time, or replacing an old hot water heater, you will need to go shopping armed with basically the same information, such as:
What is the size of the space the hot water heater needs to be able to fit within?
Buy one too big, and you are going to have a problem! So be sure to measure the space that the hot water heater needs to go into. Also, if you are looking for a table or counter top model, make sure that the location can support the weight of the unit when full.
Do you need an electric, gas, or propane hot water heater?
Be sure to buy a unit designed for use with your energy source as most of these models cannot be used interchangeably. Also, if you will be using a gas or propane hot water heater, make sure that the unit is properly vented when it is installed.
Do you have only one problem sink or shower that needs a supply of hot water?
If so, an Instant (Point-of-Demand) tankless hot water heater may be an ideal solution. These units range in size, but most are on the small side. They provide hot water on demand, in that it only heats the water as it is pulled through the system. When you are not using the water, it is not heated, nor is any hot water stored.
Have you considered using a Solar hot water heater?
If you need large supply of water for an item such as a pool, you may want to investigate installing a solar hot water heater. These have a large start up cost, but they often pay for themselves over the years. They can also be used to supply hot water for a household. When using a solar hot water heater for household use, you may also need a conventional hot water heater for use as a back-up for those time when the sun is not cooperative.
Do you need a hot water heater that connects to the water pipes from the top, or the bottom?
Most homeowners will find that they need a unit that connects to the water pipes from the top. However, if you live in a trailer or mobile home, you may need a unit that connects to the water pipes from the bottom.
What size hot water heater do you need?
In an ideal world, as big as you can afford - but this is often not practical, both from a financial and environmental viewpoint. Traditional, residential hot water heaters run in size from around 20 gallons to 80 gallons. As a general rule of thumb, figure:
For one person, a twenty-gallon tank is usually sufficient.
2 people, 30-40 gallons.
3 people, 40 gallons.
4 people, 40-50 gallons
5 people, 50 gallons
More than 5 people, 50-80 gallons
These are very rough numbers. If you use an excessive amount of hot water, you'll want a larger tank, and if you don't use very much, a smaller tank may be sufficient. If you already have a hot water heater, ask yourself, "Do you ever run out of hot water?" If you don't the size tank that you already have is sufficient, or perhaps a bit large for your needs. However, if, in the past, you ran out of hot water on a regular basis, you may want to consider getting a larger model when you buy your new heater. However, if you do get a larger tank, be sure that it will fit into the same space as your old heater.
Do you need to consider the Engery Efficiency of your new unit?
The answer is an emphatic YES! An amazingly high percentage of a family's energy costs go into heating the family's hot water. From showers to the dishwasher, the average American family uses an astonishing amount of hot water. 25% or more of a family's energy costs can be attributed to just the cost of running the hot water heater. Therefore, when buying a hot water heater it can be extremely cost effective to buy the most energy efficient model you can find - even if the energy efficient model costs more.
Shopping for an energy efficient model in the United States is relatively easy. Most, if not all, retailers post an energy guide sign on each unit that provides a range of information such as how much energy the unit pulls, as well as the average, yearly cost of operating the unit. So it is a simple matter of comparing the numbers.
When shopping for hot water heaters, you should note that "Engery Star" labeling has not yet been initiated for hot water heaters, so you will need to base your energy efficiently research on the average operating cost for the unit you are interested in. [Energy Star is a federal program that rates various products for their energy efficiently. Only those items that meet specific, and very strict energy efficiently standards can be labeled with the Energy Star. In the future, this rating system may be extended to cover hot water heaters, but as of yet does not.]
How are you going to have your new hot water heater installed?
In most cases, you will need to have your new hot water heater professionally installed. Installation of a hot water heater is not particularly difficult. However, it is not a job for the unskilled as it involves not only plumbing work, but also electrical or gas work. Making a mistake could damage the unit, or worse, damage you! In many areas, hot water heaters are covered under local zoning and safety code ordinances. If you've not replaced your unit for a number of years, do not be surprised to discover that your plumber or other tradesmen must do some extra work to bring your system 'up to code'. When purchasing your hot water heater, ask if the retailer provides installation services. Many do for - for a fee.
These questions and answers do not cover every contingency. However, they should help give you a start on selecting the right hot water heater for your needs. If you have any other questions, you can find a wealth of information online, by asking a plumber, or in some cases, from the salesperson in the store you are shopping in. You can also gather useful information on the best makes and models of hot water heaters from consumer protection and testing groups.
