Water heaters are some of the most important appliances in any home. Not only do these appliances help regulate temperature in your home, but they also help reduce energy usage too. When it comes to purchasing a new water heater, there are a few things to keep in mind so that it serves your home well for many years to come. Depending on your home’s needs and how often you use hot water, there are a number of different water heater types available. Here are some tips for choosing the best water heater for your home:

Evaluate your hot water needs

The first step in choosing the best water heater for your home is evaluating your hot water needs. This will help narrow down which type of water heater you should be looking for. Some of the questions you will want to ask yourself include the following:- How often do you use hot water?- How many people live in your home?- What size is your home?

Underfloor vs. Freestanding

The first type of water heater we will look at is an underfloor water heater. These water heaters are installed under the floor and are commonly used in basements. The benefit of an underfloor water heater is that it is hidden from sight, which means you won’t have to keep track of it as often and won’t have to worry about tripping over it. Additionally, an underfloor water heater is extremely efficient and can save you money on your water bill.The main con to an underfloor water heater is that they are difficult to access and are not ideal for large families or households with a lot of pets.

Above-Ground Freestanding

The next type of water heater we will look at is an above-ground, freestanding water heater. These water heaters are large, rectangular boxes that are mounted on the ground and connected to your house’s plumbing. The main advantage of this type of water heater is that it is very visible and can be accessed easily. Additionally, these water heaters can be used for both heating and cooling, so they can be ideal for large families or households with a lot of pets.One of the disadvantages of this type of water heater is that they are quite large and are generally not installed in basements. This means that they will be a lot more noticeable in your home.

Slab-Mounted or Sub-Slab-Mounted

The third type of water heater we will look at is a slab-mounted water heater or a sub-slab-mounted water heater. These water heaters are installed in the same place as a slab-mounted air conditioner would be: on the floor of a crawl space or basement. The main advantage of installing a water heater in this way is that it results in a very efficient unit. Additionally, it can be a lot more efficient to have a water heater in this location as opposed to above the ground because it is farther from the house, so it will use less energy.The main disadvantage of this type of water heater is that it is difficult to access, making it difficult to repair in the event that something goes wrong. Additionally, because it is installed directly on the ground, it is very susceptible to frost heaves.

Warranty and Efficiency

Finally, you will want to look at the warranty and the efficiency of each type of water heater. Ideally, you will want to find a water heater that has a good warranty and high efficiency. Water heaters that last a long time and provide a lot of hot water are generally more expensive, but they are worth it in the long run.The only way to know which type of water heater is the best for you and your home is to do your research and choose a unit that is right for you and your family’s needs and your home’s layout.

Conclusion

Choosing the right water heater for your home can be a challenge. You will want to consider the size of your home, the number of people in your home, the quality, the warranty, and the efficiency of each type of water heater. With the right research and information, you will be able to make the right choice for your home.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.