The Benefits of a New Water Heater

Buying a replacement or new water heater is not something any given homeowner generally is an expert in. Thanks to the relatively long life of the appliances, it's something that only needs to be done once or twice over the course of owning a home. So, if you've found yourself with the difficult task of purchasing a new water heater for your new home, or need to replace the old clunky one that's no longer functioning in your current home, you may not even have any idea of where to start. Don't worry, though! Unlike so many other appliances, there aren't that many factors that go into figuring out what water heater is right for you. Here are three questions to ask yourself before water heater installation.

Should I go with a storage tank unit or a tankless one?

While storage tank units are the most common type of water heater, and generally the cheapest, they're also not as efficient as tankless ones. Since they store and heat a large amount of water, they consume a ton of energy, and "recovery rate" is a consideration—the time it takes for the tank to heat another tank full of water after you use one up. Consider going tankless to save money on utility bills, as those units only heat water as you need it.

How much space do I have to situate my water heater?

This is a pretty important one—if your chosen water heater won't fit in the given space, it's a wash! If you're limited in the amount of space you have, consider getting a "lowboy" or tall unit. These don't hold as much water as standard units, but they fit more easily into unusual or tight spaces.

What bells and whistles do I want for my water heater?

Yes, there are a few extra "bells and whistles" you can acquire for your water heater. ENERGY STAR certified and High-Efficiency units, for example, both save you money and help the environment. On the other hand, many newer and more technologically-advanced units also include intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces and Wi-Fi capability that allows you to remotely control the temperature of your water.

Buying a new water heater might not be something you have to do all that often as a homeowner, but be sure to consider your options carefully—it's a decision you're going to have to live with for a long, long time.