How to Select a Hot Water Heater
- 1). Determine your reason for buying a new hot water heater; problems with the old water heater might affect your choice of a new one. Common problems include a unit that is too small, outdated or broken. Consider the issues you have with your current water heater so you can avoid these problems with your new one.
- 2). Determine the type of hot water heater you want to purchase. The two main types are traditional storage tank water heaters and the newer tankless, or on-demand, water heaters.
- 3). Determine if the tankless water heater is right for you. The style eliminates the large storage tank, instead heating the water with coils. Advantages include energy efficiency and an endless supply of hot water. The drawback is the unit can only provide about 3.5 gallons of hot water per minute.
- 4). Choose a traditional storage tank water heater if the tankless water heater isn't ideal in your situation. Determine the size water heater you need. The more people living in the household, the larger the tank you need. Determine how well your current water heater meets your needs, and upgrade if you frequently run out of hot water.
- 5). Measure the area available for the hot water heater, particularly if you are upgrading to a larger tank. Measure the length, width and height of the area. Compare the available space with the measurements of the water heater unit.
- 6). Check the energy efficiency of the hot water heaters that fit your needs. Selecting the most energy-efficient unit saves on your utility bill and helps the environment.
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