Whether you’ve just taken that first unexpected cold shower or simply wish to reduce your energy bill, purchasing a new hot water tank is an important task. In addition to an energy--efficient water heater, you also want to select one that meets the hot water needs of your home and family. To take the guesswork and frustration out of the process, determine what you need before you go shopping. Household needs to consider include:
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Not sure when to replace your water heater? Our article, How to Decide Between Water Heater Repair or Replacement, will help you make the right choice.
First, find out what type of fuel source is in the home. Here are the differences between electric, gas/propane andhybrid fuel types.
The most common type of water heater, an electric unit, requires a dedicated 240-volt connection. This type of water heater utilizes one or two replaceable heating elements to heat water. They’re available in energy-efficient models, with sizes ranging between 28 and 100+ gallons. Advantages of these water heaters include lower up-front costs, easy installation and safe operation. Disadvantages include slower heating times, power outage susceptibility and higher average operating costs.
See How to Install an Electric Water Heater for more information.
These appliances use a burner to heat water. Gas unit sizes range from 30 to 100 gallons. Some cons of these water heaters include a need for more air circulation space around the unit and the need to place the unit at a safe distance from combustible materials. Gas or propane water heaters are typically more expensive than electric water heaters.
Here are useful tips on How to Install a Gas Water Heater.
Like electric water heaters, heat pumps or hybrid water heaters require a dedicated 240-volt connection for safe operation. They’re designed to use energy from the air to heat water. Benefits of this water heater type include more energy-efficient operation than other types and versatile installation as both built-in and add-on tanks. Tank sizes range from 50 to 80 gallons, making them unsuitable for some smaller spaces. They’re also more expensive, requiring a larger initial investment before realizing energy savings.
There are many water heater types on the market, each fulfilling a particular niche or need. When you need to choose the best unit for your family’s size and available utilities, our water heater buying guide gives you the information and dependable advice you need to help you find the water heater that’s right for you.
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.
Learn how to Create an Energy-Efficient Home with the help of this article.
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.
Electric tankless water heaters can provide instant hot water but don’t require as much space as a conventional storage tank model. Electric tankless models have longer life spans than standard electric water heaters. While having a higher initial cost, the annual cost savings from the unit’s efficiency can be substantial. Units can supply up to 7 gallons of hot water per minute.
If your home currently uses natural gas, then replacing your old gas tank water heater with a natural gas tankless water heater might be a great choice for comfort and value. These units are about the size of a small suitcase, and you can install them inside or outside of your home. These long-lasting water heaters are very efficient, providing up to 11 gallons of hot water per minute. Another benefit is that, since tankless water heaters don’t store water, they don’t develop rust and corrosion like storage tank models can. You should have a professional complete the installation.
Like the natural gas models, liquid propane tankless water heaters can take advantage of existing gas lines for a compact hot-water solution. Propane gas will provide a bigger boost in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per dollar than electricity will, so propane tankless water heaters can double the output of hot water when compared to the output of an electric model. Most models can support two to three appliances simultaneously, meaning the dishwasher, washing machine and shower can all have enough hot water to function. And since the unit doesn’t store heated water, you get fresh, clean, hot water every time you use it. You should have a professional complete the installation.
Check out our Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide for tips on how to find the right tankless hot water heater.
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® 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.
There are many hot water tank accessories available to improve the safety and efficiency of your water heater.
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.
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Below are some frequently asked questions about water heaters.
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.
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.
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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
Gas Water Heater
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.
A water heater is one of those home appliances that you don't think about until it stops working. However, a water heater can be a major energy eater, whether you're buying one for a new home or replacing your decades-old water heater. According to the US Department of Energy, water heating is the second-largest energy expense for most homes, accounting for nearly a fifth of all of your home's energy usage in a month -- which is why we put together this water heater buying guide.
Finding the water heater model you want in your home is not a decision you should take lightly. Water heaters will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years typically, depending on the type, which means you'll live with your choice -- and its expenses -- for up to two decades. You want that price tag to be as small as possible while getting the hot water you expect.
You'll have to wade into the deep end and sort through the different types of water heaters, fuel sources, capacities, costs over time and additional features. While it may seem overwhelming at first, we're here to help you decide which water heater is right for you and your home.
If you're new to the water heater market, you might not even realize there are different types to choose from. While storage water heaters remain the most common, there are a variety of water heater types, each with their own unique set of features and functions.
"Storage water heaters, also called tank water heaters or traditional water heaters, use electricity or gas for heating water," said Kelly Russum, owner of KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning in Palm Springs, California. The storage water heater is the most common type of water heater for both residential and commercial buildings. It consists of a tank that holds a certain amount of water, typically ranging from 20 to 80 gallons. The tank is insulated to help retain heat and keep the water warm until it is needed.
A storage water heater heats water using an electric heating element or a gas burner located at the bottom of the tank. As cold water enters the tank through a supply pipe, hot water rises to the top of the tank where it's distributed to the rest of the house when a faucet or appliance calls for hot water.
Storage water heaters are relatively affordable, are simple to install and can supply hot water to multiple fixtures simultaneously.
"Storage water heaters can offer between 20 to 80 gallons of water right away, which makes them an excellent solution for big families of four or six," Russum said.
However, they are energy inefficient and prone to lose heat from the tank even when hot water is not being used. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup, keeps them as efficient as possible and prolongs their lifespan.
A tankless water heater, sometimes called an on-demand or instantaneous water heater, doesn't use a storage tank and heats water only when it is needed, providing a continuous supply of hot water on demand. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, where it is heated, typically by a gas burner or an electric element. The heated water then flows out of the unit and to the desired fixture or appliance.
One major advantage of tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. Since they only heat water as needed, there is no standby heat loss, resulting in potential energy savings over storage water heaters. Additionally, tankless heaters have a longer lifespan than storage heaters, often lasting 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
"While they don't have a tank for storing water, they still need to be flushed from time to time to remove scaling and prevent breakdowns," Russum said.
Tankless water heaters have higher upfront costs than storage heaters and may require upgrades to gas lines or electrical systems during installation. They also have limited flow rates, which means the temperature of the water may fluctuate if multiple hot water sources are used simultaneously in a larger household.
A heat pump water heater is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional water heaters that moves heat from the surrounding air to the water being heated. It uses a compressor and refrigerant system to transfer heat from the air to the water in the tank where the heated water is stored for later use. It's the same principle that heat pumps use to heat or cool the air in your home.
One of the main advantages of heat pump water heaters is their high energy efficiency. By extracting heat from the air or ground rather than generating heat directly, these water heaters can produce hot water using significantly less energy than conventional options, resulting in lower utility bills.
Heat pump water heater adoption will likely rise over the next several years, as this type of water heater is the best fit to match new energy efficiency regulations enacted by the US Department of Energy.
"Heat pump water heaters are more costly to buy and install than other models," Russum said. "Their higher upfront cost pays off through lower electricity bills, though." Heat pump water heaters can also act as a dehumidifier and provide air conditioning in warmer climates.
Heat pump water heaters may not be suitable for all climates or installation locations. Because they require adequate space and ventilation to operate efficiently, they may struggle in colder climates or poorly ventilated areas. The compressor and fan can also be noisy during operation.
"Homeowners with a heat pump water need to remember about such maintenance tasks as cleaning the air filter regularly, checking the area around the unit to ensure adequate airflow and periodically checking the condensate drain to ensure it is not blocked," Russum said.
A solar water heater is similar to a storage water heater, except it uses solar energy to heat water instead of gas or electricity. A typical solar water heater will have solar collectors that absorb sunlight and convert it into heat and a storage tank to hold the heated water. There are two main types of solar water heaters: active systems, which use pumps to circulate water through the collectors and into the storage tank; and passive systems, which rely on natural convection to circulate water.
Solar water heaters are environmentally friendly and don't require burning fossil fuels to generate heat, though they can have a backup heating system that relies on electricity or gas. While solar water heaters are typically considerably more expensive up front, "operational costs of solar water heaters are lower compared to storage and tankless water heaters," Russum said. Expect lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint from a solar water heater. The cost model mirrors that of residential solar panel systems -- these are a true investment that will save you more money, but it's going to take some time.
While solar water heaters tend to operate efficiently, performance may vary depending on location, climate and available sunlight. Maintenance and repair costs may also be a consideration. "If you have a solar water heater, remember to clean collector panels and remove sediment buildup in a tank," Russum said.
There are two primary fuel types for water heating: electricity and natural gas, which is made primarily from the fossil fuel methane. Electric water heaters are generally easier to install, have lower upfront costs and don't require venting, which makes them versatile and functional for most homes. Depending on how the electricity they run on is made, they can be cleaner options than gas heaters. However, they tend to cost more to operate and have slower recovery rates than gas heaters. Gas water heaters, while more expensive and in need of ventilation, are often faster at heating water and can be more cost-effective in areas with affordable natural gas.
Solar water heating uses solar energy to heat water, reducing energy costs and carbon emissions. Though upfront costs are higher, solar heaters have minimal operating expenses. You may find other fuels for water heating like propane, oil and biomass, but these are typically less available than gas or electricity.
Perhaps the most important factor when it comes to picking a water heater is water capacity. "The first thing to take into account when choosing a water heater for your home is your needs," Russum said. "Regardless of the type, by choosing a water heater of the right size, you ensure smooth, energy-efficient operation."
If the tank capacity is too small for your hot water demands, you may find yourself running out of hot water. Conversely, too large of a tank will have you heating more water than you need, leading to higher operating costs. As a general rule, you should consider 10 to 15 gallons per person in your home.
"Small households will benefit from tankless water heaters, larger families will benefit from storage, solar, or heat pump water heaters," Russum said. For tank-based heaters, he recommends paying attention to the first hour rating, which is an estimate of how many gallons of hot water the heater can supply within an hour. For tankless heaters, look at gallons-per-minute ratings, a measure of "how many gallons of hot water the heater can deliver in a minute," he said.
Regular maintenance -- like flushing the tank and checking for corrosion and leaks -- is key both to energy efficiency and to extending the life of your appliance. "Both traditional storage water heaters and solar water heaters require regular descaling," Russum said. "The harder the water in your region, the more often you need to drain and flush a tank to prevent damage from scaling. A general recommendation is once every year."
These are tasks that you can typically do on your own. But if there are more serious issues that need to be addressed, you may want to tap a professional. If you need to replace anode rods or relief valves, for example, you're best to call in a technician to ensure it is done right. If you see signs of leaks or corrosion, you may also want a second opinion from an expert before taking action.
Costs vary with water heaters depending on the type you choose, but the upfront cost is almost always going to be the largest one that you incur. Storage water heaters are typically cheapest, costing as little as $350, according to HomeAdvisor. Solar, by contrast, can cost up to $5,500 for a standard size home.
Over time, storage heaters tend to be more expensive because the reservoir can experience more maintenance cost, from sediment buildup and corrosion to tank leaks. Tankless heaters will typically have lower maintenance costs. "Homeowners choosing a storage or a tankless water heater should also keep in mind that electric water heaters tend to have higher operational costs than water heaters that use gas," Russum said. Solar heaters have the lowest operating costs over time, but can require more upkeep.
When choosing a water heater, there are a few more features to consider beyond the basic functionality of heating water. Smart features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile app integration, allows you to monitor and adjust settings remotely, track energy usage and receive alerts for maintenance issues or potential leaks.