As most water heaters last for at least a decade, when it comes time for one to buy a new water heater for your home, chances are much has changed since the last time you purchased a water heater. For example, if you bought your last water heater in 2005 and this is the year that you’re due for a new heater, then you not only have more options than ever before in terms of the places from which you can purchase your water heater—you can either go to a store or buy one online—but you also must educate yourself about the changing federal guidelines around water heaters.
First and foremost, you need to know about the new federal guidelines regarding one’s water heater energy factor (EF). Simply put, you need to ensure that any water heater that you’re looking at is EF compliant with the 2015 standards, which will also likely mean a 20% increase in price, depending on the model.
With that requirement in mind, you next need to decide which type of fuel you want to use and what is most affordable and efficient for your house. You can choose from:
- Electricity
- Fuel Oil
- Geothermal Energy
- Natural Gas
- Propane
- Solar Energy
In addition to the form of energy you choose, you’ll also want to decide upon the type of tank, which includes:
- Storage
- Tankless
- Heat Pump
- Tankless Coil & Indirect
- Solar
While any of the above options can meet your criteria, above all, you’ll want to consider what is most efficient at the lowest cost and takes up the least amount of size.
To maximize energy and operating cost savings, look for an energy-efficient water heater, which is determined by such energy factors as Recovery Efficiency Standby Losses, and Cycling Losses.
To help with cost, it is crucial not only to take the purchase cost into consideration, but also the installation, operating and maintenance costs to decide if it is worth investing in a more efficient water heater.
Finally, to determine which is the size that’s best for you, calculate your household’s peak-hour hot water demand and use it to determine your water heater size.
By taking the above variables into mind when purchasing your next water heater, you’ll be a more aware and frugal consumer and find the right water heater at the right cost that you will get the most out from.
