Tips for Selecting a Water Heater

Water heaters are something you usually don’t think too much about – unless they stop working. If you’re looking to buy one, there are several things you need to consider. Get tips for selecting a water heater in this video by The Home Depot:

When selecting a water heater, you need to consider water storage capacity, the water heater function and the fuel type.

Storage Capacity:

For a conventional unit, you want to match the unit’s capacity to the number of bathrooms and bedrooms in your home:

• 1-2: Up to 30 gallons
• 2-4: 40 gallons
• 3-5: 50 gallons
• 5 or more: 60 gallons or more

For a tankless unit, you’ll need to know how much hot water you’ll need at one time. Tankless units don’t heat and store water around the clock. They heat water as needed, saving both energy and money.

Function:

Conventional and tankless units are usually whole house systems that heat water in one location and then send it throughout the home. Point of use systems deliver hot water to a specific location. These systems typically augment a whole-house system where extra hot water is desired.

Fuel Types:

• Gas systems must be vented outdoors; they usually cost less to operate, and the tank styles aren’t affected by power outages.
• Electric units are easy to maintain, require no venting and heat water quickly.
• Liquid propane units aren’t affected by power outages and generally heat more water per hour than standard electric models.
• Hybrid electric units require a larger investment upfront but heat water quicker than standard electric units and are economical to operate.