How to Buy a Hot Water Heater

For a person who has just moved into a new house, buying a trustworthy and dependable water heater should be one of the top-most priorities. 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, water heaters have evolved considerably over a period of time. Today, buying a suitable water heater is a bit more time-consuming than earlier, simply because of the wide range of products available, which can leave buyers in a confused state of mind. 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

The following set of guidelines can prove to be useful for buyers in purchasing the right water heater.

Guidelines for Buying a Hot Water Heater

Know your Needs
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 on that basis, calculate your daily total-hot-water requirement in terms of gallons. The resultant number gives you an indication of what should be the minimum storage capacity of your water heater.

Understand your Space Constraints
Study the area where you wish to install the water heater carefully. Measure it if possible. That should give you a relatively good idea of the maximum space that you can allow your heater to occupy. Though predominantly cylindrical in shape, water heaters 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.

Inspect the First Hour Recovery Rating
The FHR rating, or First Hour Recovery rating, is a crucial factor that must be considered while selecting a water heater. It is basically 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. The FHR rating should at least match that number, or preferably, exceed it. It is always advisable to purchase a water heater having a relatively high FHR, as it will serve you well during the early morning rush.

Examine the Energy Efficiency
Water heaters are power guzzlers and are notorious for inflating electricity bills. If you are opting for an electric water heater, be sure to inspect its Energy Factor (EF), whereas if it's a gas heater that you're going for, it is advisable to have a look at its fuel efficiency. The Energy Factor is a true indication of the overall efficiency of the heater. In these days of power crises, it is imperative to use an energy-efficient, power-saving and environment-friendly water heater.

Check the Warranty Period
Despite the tall claims made by every company, there are frequent cases of water heaters breaking down within the first few years of purchase. In such situations, owning a heater with an extended warranty period can prove to be very useful. Hence, it is advisable to opt for water heaters that come with a good 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 heater safety measures, the type of material used, the hardness of the water in your locality, etc. while choosing your heater. It will go a long way in ensuring that your water heater remains a valuable asset, instead of becoming a liability.