7 Things to Consider When Choosing a New Water Heater

You may not think about your hot water heater on a daily basis, but you sure know if it’s not working properly!

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Your water heater ensures you always have water at a comfortable temperature for everything from showering to washing dishes. It can also significantly impact your household expenses. Heating hot water accounts for up to 20% of a home’s annual energy costs.

When it’s time to replace your hot water heater, ask the right questions to find the best model for your home, family, and budget. Here are seven important things to consider when choosing a new water heater:

1. Quality of the Tank and Heating Element

If you live in an area with hard water, consider the materials of the tank and heating elements. Water hardness is measured by its mineral content, mainly calcium and magnesium. Calcium, also known as limescale, can adhere to surfaces and form scale deposits when heated. Over time, limescale clogs your water pipes and builds up in your water heater and home appliances. As both the tank and heating element come into direct contact with the water, hard water can lead to decreased efficiency, corrosion, and a shorter lifespan of the heater. Look for corrosion-resistant water heaters for a reliable, efficient, and long-lasting appliance.

2. Fuel Type

Know the type of fuel your current water heater uses so you can find a new one with the same fuel source. While switching to a different fuel source may be possible, it depends on your home and can come at a significant cost.

Common fuel types include electricity and natural gas. Depending on where you live, it could also be geothermal energy, solar power, oil, or propane.

The fuel source available will dictate what type of water heater you can install and can impact your ongoing water heating costs, so get this information first before you start shopping.

3. Should I Rent or Buy a Water Heater?

Deciding to rent or buy your new water heater is another key consideration. There are pros and cons to each decision, which depend on individual preferences and circumstances.

Renting a water heater offers affordable monthly payments and peace of mind that you won’t face unexpected repair or replacement bills. Rental costs vary depending on the company and the water heater itself.

For homeowners in the Brantford area, Crystal offers water heater rentals starting at $16.99 per month.

Buying a water heater has a larger upfront cost but is cheaper in the long run. Most water heaters last roughly 15 years, so buying typically pays off after about seven years, unless you face a large repair bill.

While you won’t have ongoing monthly payments, you will be responsible for any maintenance or repairs not covered by the warranty.

4. Location

Similar to the fuel source, choose a water heater that fits into your existing space. Many newer water heaters are larger than older models due to increased insulation and other energy-efficiency improvements.

Even if you’re willing to incur extra costs to accommodate a larger water heater, a local professional must evaluate if renovations are possible based on your home’s plumbing, gas lines, and wiring.

5. Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater

Deciding between a tank or tankless water heater depends on your budget and lifestyle.

A tank water heater, also known as a storage water heater, stores hot water in a tank where it is continually kept warm. Tank water heaters typically have a lower upfront cost but can result in higher long-term energy costs.

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Tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost but much lower ongoing energy costs, as they only heat water when needed. This is why they are also referred to as “demand water heaters.”

Tankless water heaters are much more compact, as they don’t store a reserve of water.

While tankless water heaters are more cost- and energy-efficient, they can have some downsides for your family’s life. A tankless water heater can take longer to heat up the water, since it’s not warm and ready-to-use like a tank water heater. This could be frustrating or even problematic during the winter months in colder climates.

A tankless water heater may also struggle to keep up with a large household that needs to use multiple sources of hot water at once, such as running the dishwasher while someone is using the shower.

6. Household Capacity

Choose a new water heater with the right capacity for your home and family. Capacity refers to both how much water the tank can hold and how quickly it can heat the water.

For storage capacity, consider the size of your home, the number of people living there, and your water usage, such as the number of bathrooms, appliances using hot water, and frequency of simultaneous use. The power source, whether electric or gas, can also impact tank size.

For a house with one bathroom, you’ll probably need a hot water heater with a capacity of 30 to 40 gallons. If your house has two to three and a half bathrooms, you’ll need a 50 to 80-gallon capacity.

Consider the first-hour rating (FHR) and the recovery rate of a water heater. This determines how fast the water heater can heat and replenish the water in the tank. A higher FHR reduces the likelihood of running out of hot water after multiple uses.

7. Energy Efficiency

Ensure your new water heater is energy-efficient. Look for the energy-star symbol, an internationally recognized indicator of energy-saving appliances.

For gas-fired or oil-fired water heaters, consider the energy factor (EF), which indicates efficiency for both tank and tankless models. A higher EF means greater energy efficiency.

Researching and asking the right questions may take time but will be worth it when you enjoy warm showers and aren’t afraid to open your utility bills!

Crystal Heating and Cooling provides high-quality water heaters for rental or purchase in Brantford and the surrounding areas. Give us a call when you’re ready to start shopping, and we’ll walk you through the process of choosing the best water heater for your home, family, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which water heater is best?

Ultimately, the water heater you choose should work within your household needs and your budget. At Crystal Heating & Cooling, two brands we recommend are Navien for a tankless system and Rheem for water storage.

How does a tankless water heater work?

When a hot water tap is opened, cold water runs into the tankless water heater. As water flows into the unit, an electric element or gas burner heats it. The heated water exits the unit, ready for use. When the hot water tap is closed, the cold water entering the tankless system shuts off, and the heating element or gas burner turns off. The system only consumes energy when hot water is needed, unlike a storage tank that keeps water hot continuously.

Are tankless water heaters worth it?

Tankless water heaters require significant cost and labor to install but offer long-term energy savings. An ENERGY STAR certified tankless water heater can use 30% less energy than an average storage tank. This is because a tankless heater only heats water when needed, providing a constant stream of hot water without the energy waste associated with storing heated water.

Buying a Hot Water Heater: Tips and Resources

I need to replace a leaking hot water heater soon. Usually, for durable goods like electronics, I check reviews and comparison shop extensively. However, when it comes to hot water heaters, all the brands seem to be front companies for a few manufacturers, and the range of models is confusing. Plumbers I've used have their preferred manufacturers and offer little advice on different makers and models. My current heater is only seven years old and failing—I want something durable and efficient this time.

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