What features should you consider when choosing a water heater?

January 04, 2024

Finding the best water heater for your home can depend on several factors, such as cost, energy consumption, fuel type, and preference.

The blog has everything you need to consider so you can choose the right heater for your needs.

What to consider when choosing a water heater

Several factors can play a role in choosing a water heater. Fuel source, capacity, energy consumption, and flow rate usually come up . A water heater accounts for about 20% of your home's heating and cooling costs, so the decision can impact your budget.

Capacity

The number of people in your household will affect the size of water heater you need for your home. A 40- to 50-gallon water heater will be sufficient for a two- to three-person household. A three- to four-person household may need a 50- to 75-gallon tank, depending on the household's water needs. A household of five or more will likely need a 75-gallon tank. Water heater costs will increase as the tank capacity increases.

First hour course

The first hour rating indicates how much water your water heater can heat in one hour. The first hour rating should match or exceed the number of gallons of hot water needed to run all of your appliances and faucets at once. A typical washing machine uses 30 gallons of water, a shower or bath uses 20 gallons, and a dishwasher uses 14 gallons.

Gallons per minute or flow rate

Tankless water heaters are rated by their flow rate, or gallons per minute. The higher the GPM, the more hot water you can run. A typical home needs a flow rate of 6 to 12 gallons per minute. A two-person home needs at least 2 to 3 GPM. A three- or four-person home should have 3 to 5 GPM, and a home with five or more people should have 6 GPM or more.

Warranty

Most water heater warranties range from six to 12 years. Conventional storage tank water heaters have a lifespan of eight to 12 years, but can fail sooner due to corrosion or tank buildup if not properly maintained. Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more. An installation warranty can be especially helpful since you’re dealing with water.

Fuel type

Comparing gas and electric water heaters can mean doing some research or coming down to personal preference. Gas and electric are the two most common fuel types for water heaters, but there are also solar, fuel, and propane options. Electric water heaters are more energy efficient than gas, but electricity costs more than natural gas.

Energy use

Your water heater can account for about a fifth of your energy bill, depending on the type of water heater and water usage.

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