Categories: Lifestyle

MET Plumbing’s Tips For Choosing A New Water Heater

Choosing a new water heater for your home boils down to two main factors. You want to ensure it provides enough hot water for your whole family, and you want an efficient model that will save you money on energy.

To help you select the best water heater possible, MET Plumbing has put together this guide to show you the different types of hot water tanks and how to choose the best size and fuel source for your family.

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What Are The Different Types Of Water Heaters?

Before you make a purchase, it’s a good idea to know your options. There are a few different types of water heaters to consider.

Tank water heaters store hot water that works for everyday use. However, if you regularly have two parts of the house using hot water at the same time, it increase the amount of water you need. Make sure you have the right size to accommodate your needs.
Tankless water heaters heat water as they pass through the system instead of storing hot water.
Solar water heaters use the heat of the sun to reduce energy costs while providing hot water.
Heat pump water heaters move heat from one spot to another instead of directly heating water. This can improve efficiency and save you money.

What To Consider When You Choose A Water Heater

According to met-plumbing.com, there are several criteria you want to consider as you look through your options.

Fuel source: The energy source you use for your water heater impacts your energy bills.
Size: To ensure your home has enough hot water and to improve efficiency, you need an idea of how many gallons your tank model needs to store or process.
Energy efficiency: To reduce your costs, look at the energy efficiency of the heater before you make your selection. Keep an eye out for models with ENERGY STAR® Certification.
Costs: Put together an estimate of your costs and try to get an idea of how an energy efficiency model will impact your bills.
Warranty: Typically, coverage lasts for 3-12 years.

You may also want to consider how to reduce the amount of hot water you use. For instance, you might wash your clothes in cold water more often.

What Size Water Heater Does My Home Need?

Manufacturers categorize tank water heaters based on their gallon capacity, a crucial factor in ensuring your household enjoys a steady supply of hot water. You need to evaluate your average hot water use to determine the best tank size for your home unless you choose a tankless model. Larger households typically require larger tanks to meet their hot water needs.

Another thing to consider is the heater’s recovery rate, which indicates how many gallons of water it can heat within an hour while replenishing the tank. The higher your demand for hot water, the greater the recovery rate required. Additionally, take into account the number of fixtures or appliances your water heater will need to support concurrently.

For a water heater that adequately meets your household’s requirements, follow these recommendations as a helpful guide. If you’re considering a tank-style model, utilize the following guidance to determine the ideal size for your water heater.

Minimum Gallon-Capacity Recommendations

Electric Water Heater

Household of 1 to 2: 30 gallons
Household of 2 to 3: 40 gallons
Household of 3 to 4: 50 gallons
Household of 5 or More: 80 gallons

Gas Water Heater

Household of 1 to 2: 30 gallons
Household of 2 to 4: 40 gallons
Household of 5 or More: 50 gallons

Final Thoughts

Selecting a new water heater involves the careful consideration of two primary factors: ensuring it meets your family’s hot water needs and opting for an efficient model to save on energy costs.

MET Plumbing offers this guide to assist you in navigating the myriad options available and selecting the most suitable water heater for your home.

By following these recommendations and consulting the minimum gallon-capacity guidelines provided, you can confidently select a water heater that works for your family’s hot water requirements while maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing costs.

With MET Plumbing’s guidance, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision that benefits both your comfort and your wallet.