Must-Know Tips Before Purchasing a Water Heater

Many of us rarely consider our water heaters—until that cold winter dawn when you notice the shower has been flowing for several minutes and it’s still not warm. still Not becoming heated. At that point, you can't focus on anything else.

An additional factor to keep an eye on regarding your water heater is that it ranks among the top energy consumers in your house, making up roughly 20 percent of the typical household's overall energy expenses, as stated by the U.S. Department of Energy .

Our specialists within the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab here at Good Housekeeping Institute compiled this purchasing guide to assist you in staying ahead of this crucial decision. Our recommendations stem from extensive tests we've conducted on different kinds of water heaters over the past few years, along with insights gathered from conversations with industry specialists such as contractors, homebuilders, and service technicians.

All experts concur on one point: you shouldn’t wait until your present water heater fails before getting a new one. Doing so increases the likelihood of paying too much or settling for an inferior unit due to rushed decision-making. According to Francis J. Dietz, Vice President of Public Affairs, signs indicating that your water heater may require replacement encompass several factors such as reaching old age (with typical lifespans ranging from 12 to 15 years), experiencing fluctuating water temperatures, hearing unusual sounds coming from within the tank, noticing decreased water pressure, and observing discoloration or odd odors in the water. Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

Should any of these circumstances pertain to your water heater, continue reading for crucial information.

Types of water heaters

Although the market remains largely controlled by storage tank water heaters, even within this traditional segment, there are now numerous choices available. Moreover, according to our specialists, several advanced, energy-efficient models may also merit consideration. Below is a comparison of these various offerings.

Storage Tank Water Heater

About 90 percent of households in the U.S. use this prevalent type of water heater. These systems feature an insulated tank designed to keep hot water stored until it’s required. The upper part of the tank has a pipe which channels the heated water into your household plumbing network, from where it reaches various outlets like showers, taps, dishwashers, washing machines, among others. Heating methods include either a gas burner or an electrical component, thus catering to different markets. Electric water heaters with storage tanks and gas storage tanks for water heaters .

Electric water heaters come at a lower cost and simpler installation because they do not require outdoor ventilation, as opposed to gas water heaters that generate dangerous carbon monoxide. However, in much of the nation, electricity is pricier compared to natural gas, leading to higher operational expenses for electric water heaters.

When adequately cared for, with yearly maintenance performed by an expert technician, a storage tank water heater can function effectively for between 10 to 12 years.

Pros

• Low upfront cost
• Simple to set up, particularly the electrical models.
• Fairly easy to maintain

Cons

• The availability of hot water depends on the capacity of the tank.
• Relatively short lifespan

Cost, including installation

• $900 to $1,800
• Energy Star-certified gas storage tank water heaters qualify for a federal tax credit up to $600 for covering 30% of the project cost

Tankless Water Heater

Also referred to as on-demand water heaters, tankless versions include a coiled heat exchanger that generates immediate hot water whenever required. This ensures you won’t have to wait for the shower to warm up during chilly winter days. Although tankless water heaters come with a higher price tag compared to their storage counterparts, they offer this convenience. They're highly efficient because they avoid standby energy losses that happen when heated water sits in a storage tank. An essential point to consider is that the peak output of warm water maxes out at approximately 5 gallons per minute. This volume could prove insufficient for larger households where several hot-water appliances, such as showers and dishwashers, may operate simultaneously.

Tankless water heaters come in both gas and electric varieties. These models typically cost more upfront compared to traditional storage tank water heaters, and setting them up usually demands additional work such as installing new water pipes and electrical systems. Proper upkeep is crucial due to the intricate nature of these units. However, with appropriate care, a tankless water heater has the potential to function efficiently beyond two decades, thanks partly to their readily replaceable components which help prolong their lifespan further.

Pros

• Delivers instant hot water
• Extremely energy efficient
• Long lasting

Cons

• Greater initial expense and more challenging setup
• It may not be suitable for big families that require substantial amounts of hot water.

Cost, including installation

• $1,200 to $3,500
• Energy Star-certified gas tankless water heaters qualify for a federal tax credit up to $600, covering 30% of the total project cost

Heat Pump Water Heater

A relatively new addition to this sector, heat pump water heaters are occasionally referred to as hybrid systems. They combine an air-source heat pump with a traditional electric storage tank water heater. Despite their higher price tag, They can be two to three times more efficient compared to traditional electric resistance water heaters. The installation process is largely similar; however, since these systems extract heat from the air and then move it to the water, you'll need to install them in a location that offers at least 1,000 cubic feet of airspace with temperatures consistently ranging from 40°F to 90°F.

Heat pump water heaters represent a cutting-edge category with numerous models equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity along with a corresponding app, enabling remote monitoring and operation of the system. When well maintained, these units can have a lifespan ranging from 13 to 15 years.

Pros

• Extremely energy efficient
• Relatively long-lasting
• Often feature Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons

• Higher upfront cost
• Needs to be set up in a spacious, airy area

Cost, including installation

• $1,200 and $3,500
• ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heaters qualify for a federal tax credit up to $2,000 covering 30% of the total project cost

Solar Water Heater

These systems include a rooftop solar collector designed to capture sunlight and utilize it to warm water stored in a tank. Ideally, when your roof receives ample sunshine all year round, a solar water heater has the potential to cut down your water heating expenses by as much as 80%, as stated by the source. U.S. Department of Energy .

Systems can operate as either passive or active. In passive setups, water gets heated inside a rooftop tank and subsequently flows directly into the household plumbing system. These tend to be cheaper but function optimally solely in warmer climates with abundant sunlight. Conversely, active configurations employ water pumps along with heat exchangers to channel hot water from an indoor storage tank back through pipes to faucets and devices throughout your house. Though they require more complex installation and upkeep, these active systems offer greater resilience against frost conditions.

Solar water heating systems are exclusively designed for warming water; they do not provide energy to run household devices and electronic gadgets. Although these setups tend to have higher initial costs, they come with an unlimited federal tax credit, setting them apart from other types of water heaters whose credits max out at either $600 or $2,000 based on the specific technology employed.

Pros

• Extremely energy efficient
• Simple to upkeep, particularly inert systems
• Shielded by an exceptionally generous federal tax credit

Cons

• Steep upfront costs
• The roof requires ample sunlight.

Cost, including installation

• $1,800 to $5,800
• Solar water heaters certified by Energy Star qualify for a federal tax credit covering 30% of the project costs, without any limit on the savings

What factors should you consider when selecting a water heater?

No matter which kind of water heater you're thinking about for your house, you'll need to consider several aspects. Below are the primary elements to keep in mind.

Start with capacity

It's essential to select a water heater that can supply sufficient hot water to meet your requirements. " According to Dietz, a reliable plumbing contractor will inquire about alterations in water usage within the home, like whether kids have moved out or older relatives have moved in, as these situations could result in decreased or increased water demands compared to previous levels.

Tank-style water heaters (regardless of whether they are conventional, heat pump, or solar-powered) usually have capacities ranging from 30 to 80 gallons. This volume generally aligns with the size of the household; for instance:

• For 1 to 2 individuals: 30 to 40 gallons.
• For 2 to 3 individuals: 40 to 50 gallons.
• For 3 to 4 individuals: 50 to 60 gallons.
• For groups of 5 or more people: 60 to 80 gallons.

However, a more accurate measure for selecting the ideal water heater based on your household’s hot water requirements is the first-hour rating, or FHR, which is a specification provided on the unit. yellow EnergyGuide label , or in the documentation supplied by the manufacturer. This indicates the amount of hot water the system can provide each hour when initially filled with hot water. The FHR is influenced by various elements including tank capacity, energy type, and the dimensions of the burner or heating component.

Preferably, your water heater’s First Hour Rating (FHR) should match your household’s highest hourly usage — such as during mornings when multiple family members shower and appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine operate simultaneously. The Department of Energy recommends this approach. Energy Saver website features a useful calculator to get these figures accurate.

When considering tankless water heaters, the primary specification concerning capacity is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). This metric indicates the amount of hot water the system can provide within a specific timeframe. For smaller homes, a tankless heater with a peak flow rate between 2 to 3 GPM may suffice, whereas bigger residences could necessitate one capable of delivering up to 4 to 5 GPM at most.

Check the efficiency

The kind of water heater you select can significantly affect your energy expenses. Each category also includes varying levels of energy efficiency. Therefore, it's beneficial to examine the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) when browsing through options. The UEF indicates how much of the consumed energy gets transformed into hot water by the water heater. A larger figure signifies reduced energy waste and decreased running costs.

The energy factor (UEF) for conventional water heaters begins at about 0.6, whereas tankless models typically boast UFs of 0.9 or more. For heat pump water heaters, the UEF values span from 3 to 4, indicating an exceptional operational efficiency ranging between 300% to 400%.

Consider the features

It could be beneficial to invest extra money in enhancements that improve the ease of use, functionality, or longevity of your water heater.

• Scale prevention. When your residence experiences hard water, mineral accumulation within your water heater may decrease its longevity. Certain high-end models with tanks and those without come equipped with anti-scaling technology which enhances the appliance’s durability as well as minimizes the frequency at which professionals must service them, thus helping you save several hundred dollars throughout their operational lifetime.
• Technology upgrades. High-end water heaters, particularly those in the heat pump range, frequently feature advanced upgrades that provide both comfort and security. With Wi-Fi capability, property owners can manage their units from afar using a dedicated application; this allows for remote monitoring as well as notifications about necessary upkeep. Additionally, specialists recommend opting for leak detection systems because these can warn you of problems prior to them becoming severe incidents.
• Warranty length. The duration of a product’s warranty serves as an indicator of the brand's confidence in its durability. This observation holds particularly true for water heaters since inferior models tend to malfunction rapidly. Typically, warranties span between 3 to 12 years. Water heaters equipped with extended warranties often come with additional robust features such as brass drain valves—more resilient compared to their plastic counterparts—as well as tanks lined either with glass or ceramics, providing superior resistance against rust and corrosion over standard metallic constructions.

Which are the top-rated water heater manufacturers?

There are numerous water heater brands available today. Below are five recommendations from our experts, derived from rigorous product tests and discussions with seasoned professionals who frequently install such systems during renovations and new constructions.

✔️ A.O. Smith: Central to the A.O. Smith brand is water heating, alongside their water treatment solutions. They stand out as a frontrunner in both hybrid and tankless water heaters, earning recognition through Good Housekeeping Home Reno Awards. 2023 and 2024 In these two categories, A.O. Smith water heaters are available at Lowe's, adding to their convenience as a brand.

✔️ Bradford White: Established in 1881, this firm has grown to encompass nearly every type of water heater, frequently introducing novel advancements to its machinery. Although all their items are made within the USA, components and materials are sourced globally.

✔️ GE: The company that initially began as a manufacturer of light bulbs has expanded into various product lines, such as water heaters. They have introduced numerous improvements to traditional storage tank water heaters and have lately ventured into the realm of tankless water heaters.

✔️ Rheem: Our specialists have been highly pleased with the general excellence of Rheem water heaters, particularly after a tankless model underwent rigorous real-world testing. This brand stands out as one of the select few that produces all types of water heaters: conventional tanks, tankless units, heat pumps, and solar-powered models.

✔️ State Water Heaters: A.O. Smith Corporation owns the State brand, which means their tank and tankless water heaters come with the same level of performance and dependability. This label is favored by many plumbing experts due to its proven history spanning over seven decades.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For nearly 25 years, I have been evaluating and documenting my findings on water heaters. During this period, I’ve gained extensive knowledge of leading manufacturers within the sector, allowing me to identify those with superior performance histories concerning durability and dependability. Additionally, I have led several studies focused on enhancing energy and water efficiency, collaborating extensively with external specialists hailing from governmental bodies, businesses, and service sectors related to homes. Currently serving as the Director of Home Improvement & Outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute , I manage water heater tests at our lab and also handle ongoing in-home consumer evaluations based on surveys, which help us assess how these appliances perform under actual usage scenarios.

For this water heater guide, our team gathered information from various trade shows and industry events, such as the International Builders' Show , and we consulted with multiple experts from the industry. Additionally, we leveraged our practical experience managing the setup of numerous water heaters at the residences of professional testers for our yearly evaluation. Home Reno Awards This experience has provided us with comprehensive understanding of the installation procedure and allowed us to monitor performance and energy savings over an extended period. Additionally, engaging directly with the process has enhanced our comprehension of various aspects related to usage and upkeep.