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Don't pay for more than you need
If you use a lot of hot water at certain times of the day - morning showers, for example -
look for a model with a higher first-hour rating. This measures how much hot water the unit
can produce in one hour.
If you use hot water all day long, find a water heater with a fast recovery rate to ensure
that you'll never run out of hot water. The recover rate shows how long it take the full tank of
water to heat to the proper temperature.
Save Money
Find out the installation cost before you purchase. Also, get an estimate on any repairs that
may need to be done over the next few years.
Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about
14% of your utility bill. There are four ways to cut your water heating bills: use less hot water,
turn down the thermostat on your water heater, insulate your water heater, and buy a new, more
efficient water heater.
Energy factor
A water heater's efficiency is measured by its energy factor. This number, shown on the
EnergyGuide label, shows the unit's overall operating costs, taking into account the heat
exchanger efficiencies, as well as heat losses from the water tank.
Choosing the right water heater for your home or business
Is a heat pump, conventional electric or gas water heater right for me? While it’s more costly initially,
a heat pump is more energy efficient than a conventional electric water heater drawing less than one
quarter of the power of a standard electric resistance heater. They make good sense if you live in the
warmer climates, use a large amount of hot water, or live in an area where electric rates are high.
Some units can even provide air conditioning.
In northern climates there may be additional energy costs in winter as a result of the space cooling
effect of this type of unit. We don’t suggest heat pump water heaters if there is natural gas service to
the home or business as back drafting potential out weighs the benefits. Consult a professional
plumber to see which water heater is right for you.
Water heater repair or replace?
Provided there isn’t a tank failure, typically a water heater can be repaired, but is it worth repairing?
Only after answering the following questions should you answer repair or replace.
Do you know how many years old your water heater is? Do you know how many years it’s rated for?
Consider replacing your water heater instead of repairing it if its age is close to the number of years it
was rated for.
Water heater failures cause millions of dollars in water damages every year. Remember when selecting
your new water heater that you get what you pay for. While a seemingly bargain water heater rated for
7 years saves you money today, it is much more likely to fail sooner. Look at the cost per rated year to
make an educated choice. Simply divide the cost of the water heater by the number of years it is rated for
and that will show you which is the best value.
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