How to Choose the Best Hot Water Heater for Your Home and Budget

While it is not every day you think about your water heater, you will notice when it is not operating efficiently. Choosing the best hot water heater will save you a lot in terms of efficiency, time, and unnecessary repair and replacement costs. This article is for you if you are looking for a water heater that will serve you satisfactorily. How will you know that your current water heater needs replacing or upgrading? A water heater on its tenth year needs immediate replacement, as does any other that is breaking down often. You should also replace your water heater if it consumes a lot of energy.

Factors to Help You Choose the Best Hot Water Heater

With the market getting flooded with different hot water heaters, it is becoming necessary to research extensively for a budget option. Here are a few factors that should inform your decision when buying a water heater for your home:

• Types Of Water Heaters: Knowing the different water heaters on the market will help you choose the best one for your home use and budget. Some conventional water heater types include storage water heater brands, heat pump water heaters, solar water heaters, tankless coil, and on-demand water heaters.
  The traditional storage type has a reservoir for keeping hot water, while the on-demand type heats the water directly for instant use. The solar water heaters rely on the sun to heat the water, while the tankless coil model heats water using your home’s space heating system.
• How To Choose: The upfront cost of acquiring a tank water heater is low compared to the tankless option. The tankless ones are more energy- and cost-efficient and compact. Heating water in tankless heaters takes a longer time, which may not be suitable, especially in winter.
  The water heater that you choose should align with your specific needs. Select a model that is compatible with your home’s settings. For instance, you can only go for the solar water heater if your home gets enough solar energy.
• Size: If you need a storage water heater, you will need to consider the size of the tank. Water heater tanks have a minimum capacity of 20 gallons and a maximum of 80 gallons. Choose a size that will provide water enough for the number of people in your home. The 20- to 30-gallon tank will conveniently serve up to three people, while for a relatively larger family, the 60 to 80-gallon option will be ideal.
  Even with the various capacity options, you must establish the first-hour rating (FHR) of the water heater. Considering the heater’s recovery rate and its FHR help you determine the water heating and replenish rate. The best hot water heater will have a better FHR, and this guarantees you fewer chances of being stuck in a cold shower because there is no hot water.
• Your Budget: Before you shop for a water heater, you must have an estimate of the buying price and the yearly maintenance and operational costs. The features, efficiency, and quality of the various water heaters determine such costs. The best hot water heater for home use and your budget needs to be energy efficient and should require only minimal repairs.
• Energy Efficiency: Water heaters differ significantly in terms of energy efficiency. An energy-efficient water heater will help you save on electricity while ensuring the optimal use of energy. Compare different water heater types to settle for the one that will reduce your electricity bill significantly. How do you establish the energy efficiency of a water heater by looking at it?
  The first thing to consider is whether the heater has the energy-star symbol. This internationally recognized sign shows that the heater you are about to buy is energy efficient. For oil-fired or gas-fired water heaters, you will need to check whether the heater has an energy factor (EF). This feature is found on tankless and tank models that are energy efficient. A higher EF value shows that the heater is more energy-efficient.

Features to Consider When Buying Water Heaters

With the rapid changes in technology and innovation nowadays, new water heaters are being introduced in the market almost every day. With the variety of options available in the market, it is easy to get confused, especially if you do not know what to look for in the best water heaters. Water heaters are different in many ways. Here are essential features of water heaters you should consider when buying a budget heater for home use.

• Drain Valves: Drain valves are made of either brass or plastic. Choose a model with brass drain valves because they are relatively durable compared to the plastic ones.
• Glass-Lined Tanks: Metallic tanks corrode after a long period of use. You should settle for a water heater that has a glass-lined tank. It will reduce the chances of corrosion significantly.
• Digital Displays: A water heater with digital displays is vital in monitoring levels and customized operation. Several hot water heater models offer you the flexibility of setting a vacation mode on your heater. This feature commands the device to use the heat pump for additional efficiency, especially when you are out of the house.
• Warranty: Most water heaters have a manufacturer’s warranty of three to 12 years. You will pay an extra amount for a water heater with an extended warranty. Such models have added features such as large burners to speed up the heating process or thick insulation to reduce the loss of heat. If you want the best hot water heater, choose the one with relatively extended warranty coverage.
  While the extended warranty is not a guarantee that the heater will serve you to the fullest, it is a sign that the manufacturers trust the quality of their brand. A little research on the models will help you establish the efficiency and quality of a heater relative to its warranty information. Before buying any water heater, check out online reviews to find out what other buyers are saying about the particular model you want to buy.
• Anti-Scale devices: Some water heater brands include elements that are used in reducing mineral scale buildup at the tank’s bottom. Despite the efficiency of such features in dealing with mineral buildup, they reduce the heating element’s life. To avoid interfering with the lifespan of your water heater, invest in a water heater that has an extended warranty. Such heaters come with a thicker and longer heating element; hence, you will not have to worry about mineral scale building up at the bottom of the tank.

Address Your Water Heater Needs Today!

We hope this guide helps you identify the best hot water heater. The secret in settling for the most suitable water heater is to carry out detailed research on the water heater models, usage, efficiency, and general features. Remember also to seek the opinions of experts in this sector lest you make the wrong choice. If you still don’t know which water heater best suits you, or your current one needs repair or replacement, get in touch with Air Force Heating for reliable advice, repairs, and installations.