Buying a new water heater can be challenging due to the numerous options. Choosing based on the fuel source and your household needs will allow you to select a water heater that works well for your household and potentially save money on fuel costs. 

Fuel Source

The fuel source you choose will dictate the upfront costs and ongoing costs to heat water for your home. Part of your choice might be contingent upon the types of fuel already in use at your home. For example, if you primarily or exclusively use electricity for other utilities, it may be easier and almost certainly less expensive to install an electric water heater. Although in this situation it will be more expensive to choose a gas water heater, the ongoing costs associated with hot water might pay for themselves over time since natural gas is more economical.

If energy efficiency is a major influence in your decision, consider solar or hybrid water heaters. Solar water heaters function much like those with a tank, but their energy is acquired through solar panels. Fortunately, solar water heaters can use a traditional energy source for backup. Hybrid water heaters use a heat pump, which takes heat from the surrounding ground and air to heat the water. This type of water heater would work best in warmer climates.

Amount Of Use

If you live in a large home with many residents, a gas or electric water heater with a tank will likely meet your needs better. Some larger homes might choose to have more than one tank water heater. Two smaller water heaters might meet the needs of your home better than a single, larger water heater. Tankless water heaters work better for smaller residences, such as an apartment with only a couple of occupants. Since a tankless water heater heats water on-demand, it saves space, but there is also a lag between turning on the hot water and actually getting hot water.

Point-of-use water heaters can be an excellent option for an addition to your home. For example, you might install a new bathroom or outdoor kitchen and only need hot water for that area. The point-of-use water heater can provide hot water to a single shower or sink. There are tankless and tank options for point-of-use water heaters, as well. Since point-of-use water heaters will only have a small tank, the tankless option would be better for showers, whereas the tank variation might be acceptable for an outdoor kitchen sink.

Some water heater options can save you money on your utility bills, but there might be a more substantial upfront cost. Finding a balance between the fuel source and what meets the needs of your household will allow you to choose an appropriate compromise.

Contact a local service to learn more about water heaters.

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