You need a water heater that will provide enough hot water for your household, that's energy-efficient, and that saves you money. You will likely want to consider different types of water heaters on the market in a quest to determine the right size, fuel source, and budget for your home. What makes a water heater the right water heater?

One mistake most homeowners make is focusing their shopping efforts on a specific model or brand. A water heater may be from a reliable manufacturer, but its output capabilities and installation needs and configuration don't match with your household needs. One size doesn't fit all when it comes to water heaters. So here are the factors you need to consider when you are choosing a unit for your home.

There are four basic water heater setups:

• Conventional Storage: water is heated and stored in the tank as it waits to be used.
• Tankless or On-Demand Water Heaters: these are units that heat water instantly without the need for a storage tank.
• Indirect Water Heaters: these are water heaters integrated into your home heating system, and they use the heat as a source of energy.
• Solar Water Heaters: this type of water heater uses solar power to heat water.

THE AMOUNT OF HOT WATER YOU USE

How often does your household use hot water? This will determine the size of the unit, the output needed, as well as price range in consideration.

AMOUNT OF WATER YOU NEED

Consider how quickly a unit heats water. A conventional tank water heater stores up to 80 gallons of hot water, while a tankless unit heats water on demand. Modern tankless water heaters are the best in a smaller household looking to save on their energy and water bills.

AMOUNT ENERGY YOU USE

Consider energy efficiency and longevity when choosing a hot water system. Energy consumption depends on the size of the water heater, its output, fuel type, style, and unit energy rating. To maximize energy savings, check the energy efficiency of the unit before committing to buy. You can do this by visiting the manufacturer's website to learn about specific models. The most common water heater fuels are electricity, natural gas, and propane.

COSTS

The costs include the unit's initial purchase cost, water heater installation cost, and annual operating cost. Compare different models and brands, and note their prices by visiting the websites for different types of water heaters.

GET HELP WITH YOUR DECISION

Finally, we highly recommend that you have a professional and experienced plumber assess your hot water system needs to help you choose the best unit suited for your lifestyle. Contact your local heating repair service today to learn more.