Do you like taking cold showers? No? Then you need to be sure that your home has a working water heater.
Water heaters are essential for the home, so you need to make sure that you get a great one that is perfectly suited to your needs. Be sure to understand your options and buy one that performs well.
In this complete guide, we’ll tell you what you need to know about buying a water heater for your home.
What to Look for When Buying a Water Heater
There are some important things to look for when buying a water heater. Here are the main factors that you should consider.
1. Type
First of all, be sure to consider the types of water heaters and the fuel source.
Gas water heaters will cost more upfront and will need special ventilation. On the other hand, they have lower operating costs and are often well worth the investment. Electric models are another option. They’ll be cheaper upfront but more expensive to operate.
If you’re replacing water heaters, it’s especially important to know which type you have. Be sure that you get the same type when you upgrade.
2. Energy-Efficiency
Both gas and electric water heaters can consume quite a bit of energy, so it’s a good idea to check the specific unit’s energy efficiency before making a purchase.
Many new water heaters are made to be very energy efficient, but be sure to check the Energy Factor (EF) rating to make sure of it. The higher the rating is, the more efficient the unit will be.
3. Size
Another important thing to consider is the size of the water heater that you’re buying for your house. You need to check how many gallons of storage the water heater holds.
While a smaller water heater might work for you if you live alone, you may need to get a larger water heater if you’ll be supplying hot water to a whole family.
4. Pricing
Of course, you’ll also want to consider the cost of the water heater when buying one as well.
Electric water heaters will be cheaper upfront, while gas water heaters will be more expensive. However, ongoing expenses will be steeper for electric models than for gas water heaters.
Don’t base your decision on price alone, however. Be sure to consider all of the different water heater features when making your choice.
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Another thing that you should think about when choosing a water heater is how you’ll handle installation, maintenance, and repairs. Be sure that you have a plan for all of this.
When installing the water heater, you’ll want to make sure that you follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.
As far as maintenance goes, you should generally plan to get your water heater checked out at least once a year. However, this may vary depending on your specific needs and usage.
Also, be sure that you pay attention to signs of water heater problems. Strange sounds, low hot water pressure, and leaks can be problematic. You may want to learn more here about what to do if your water heater is leaking.
Buying a Water Heater That’s Right for Your Home
If you’re buying a water heater soon, make sure that you consider your choice carefully. A water heater is an important part of a home, so be sure that you consider its fuel type, its size, and how efficient it is before making a purchase.
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