How to Buy a Hot Water Heater

Having a good water heater is essential, especially if you live in a region which has a predominantly cold climate. Thanks to numerous technological advancements, these appliances have evolved considerably over a period of time.

Today, buying a suitable one is a bit more time-consuming than it was earlier, simply because of the wide range of products available. Roughly, the different types of water heaters can be categorized as:

• Storage tank water heaters
• Tankless water heaters
• Electric water heaters
• Gas water heaters
• Oil water heaters

Given before is a set of guidelines that can prove to be helpful in selecting the right one.

A family of 4 will need a different water heater as compared to a family of 10. For this purpose, it is important that you understand your family's hot water requirements properly.

Think of all the different activities for which you require hot water every day, and calculate your daily total requirement in terms of gallons. The resultant number gives you an indication of what the minimum storage capacity of your heater should be.

Study the area where you wish to install the appliance, carefully. Measure it if possible. That should give you a relatively good idea of the maximum space that you can allow the heater to occupy.

Though predominantly cylindrical in shape, these are also available in a couple of variants such as the tall boy and short boy models. The difference in these models is basically in their height and diameter.

The FHR rating or First Hour Recovery rating is a crucial factor that must be considered while selecting this appliance. It is an indication of how many gallons of water the heater is able to heat within the first hour of operation.

To understand which FHR rating is best suited for your needs, refer to your daily total-hot-water requirement. This rating should at least match that number, or preferably exceed it. It is always advisable to purchase a heater having a relatively high FHR, as it will serve you well during the early morning rush.

Water heaters are power guzzlers and are notorious for inflating electricity bills. If you are opting for an electric one, be sure to inspect its Energy Factor (EF), whereas if it's a gas model, then it is advisable to check its fuel efficiency. The Energy Factor is a true indication of the overall efficiency of the heater.

It is imperative that the appliance be energy-efficient, power-saving, and environment-friendly.

Despite the tall claims made by companies, there are frequent cases of heaters breaking down within the first few years of purchase. In such situations, owning one with an extended warranty period can prove to be very useful.

Hence, it is advisable to opt for those that come with a 10-12 year warranty. It may cost you a bit extra, but it could definitely save you a lot more money in the long run.

At the same time, it is also recommended that you consider additional aspects like the appliance safety measures, the type of material used, and the hardness of the water in your locality, while choosing your heater. It will go a long way in ensuring that it remains a valuable asset instead of becoming a liability.