Selecting a New Water Heater

Dec. 16, 2024

Selecting a New Water Heater

Fuel Types, Availability and Costs for Water Heating

When choosing a water heater, it is crucial to assess the fuel type or energy source you intend to utilize, including its accessibility and associated costs. The chosen fuel will significantly impact both the annual operating expenses and the water heater’s dimensions and energy efficiency.

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Exploring Water Heater Options by Fuel Type

The selection of water heaters is often influenced by the fuel type available in your region. Below are the prevalent water heater options categorized by their fuel or energy source:

Electricity
Readily accessible across the United States for types such as conventional storage, tankless (demand-type), and heat pump water heaters. Additionally, it is compatible with combination water and space heating systems, which include tankless coil and indirect water heaters.
Fuel oil
Accessible in select regions of the U.S. to power conventional storage water heaters and indirect combination water and space heating systems.
Geothermal energy
Available nationwide for individuals who already have or are installing a geothermal heat pump system for their home’s heating and cooling. Refer to Heat Pump Water Heaters for further details.
Natural gas
Available in numerous locations across the U.S. to fuel both conventional storage and demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heaters, in addition to other combination systems.
Propane
Accessible in various areas throughout the country to fuel conventional and demand water heaters, as well as indirect combination water and space heating systems.
Solar energy
Available nationally, particularly in the Southwest, for those interested in solar water heaters.

Comparing Fuel Costs and Water Heater Types

If you have multiple fuel options accessible in your locality, it is beneficial to compare their respective costs, especially during the construction of a new home. Even when replacing a water heater, opting for a different energy source might lead to more savings in the long run.

When transitioning from one fuel type to another, several additional cost factors arise, such as the need for adding a breaker or connecting a gas line to the unit. Make sure to consult your utility provider for the latest fuel pricing.

The kind of water heater selected will also influence your overall heating expenses. Certain types may utilize their designated fuel source more efficiently than others. For instance, an electric heat pump water heater usually exhibits greater energy efficiency compared to a conventional electric storage model.

In some cases, an electric heat pump water heater can yield lower energy expenses than a gas-powered conventional storage unit, despite local natural gas rates appearing lower than electric costs.

For more information, please visit Split System Water Heater Supplier.

Best Water Heater Buying Guide

Traditional tank water heaters typically have a capacity ranging from 40 to over 55 gallons. The appropriate size depends on the household's population and their peak usage patterns. For example, a household of four may take several showers, operate the dishwasher, and do a couple of loads of laundry daily, accumulating over 100 gallons of hot water. However, this does not necessarily imply that a 100-gallon tank is essential.

For storage tank water heaters, it is vital to check the first-hour rating (FHR), which indicates the number of gallons a water heater can provide in an hour after being fully charged. The FHR is available on the EnergyGuide label. Use the calculator on the Energy Saver website to determine the suitable FHR for your home.

Due to the recent updates to efficiency standards, water heaters with less than 55-gallon capacity have seen a 4 percent efficiency boost, while those with a 55-gallon or larger capacity boast efficiency enhancements of 25 to 50 percent, depending on the technology employed, whether it be heat pump or condensing. (Refer to the water heater types section below.)

Additionally, don’t make the assumption that your new unit will fit in the same space as your previous one, as improved insulation and efficiency solutions might cause newer models to be larger in size.

Tankless water heaters typically do not hold much water; therefore, the focus should be on their gallons-per-minute (GPM) rating. This rating indicates the volume of hot water the unit can produce within a certain timeframe. A higher GPM entails a greater output of hot water. For larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms, a tankless water heater with a superior GPM rating is required. A standard shower, for instance, can utilize up to 2.5 GPM. Recent washer models may consume anywhere from 7 gallons (front-loader) to 19 gallons (agitator top-loader) per load, but outdated models can use as much as 32 gallons. Calculate your needs accordingly.