Are you in the market for a new water heater? If so, it is important to take your time and find the right one for your home. There are many different types of water heaters out there, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. To ensure you get the most out of your purchase, here is a comprehensive guide on what to look out for when buying a water heater.
Types Of Water Heaters
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a water heater is what type is right for your needs. The two main types are tankless and traditional storage tank models. Tankless units are designed to heat water only when it’s needed, while traditional storage tanks keep hot water in reserve at all times. Depending on your usage requirements and budget, either option could be suitable for your home.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
When selecting any appliance or device, energy efficiency ratings should always be considered before making a purchase. A unit’s energy efficiency rating will tell you how much energy it consumes per hour of use as well as its estimated annual operating costs. This information can help you decide which model best suits your wallet and the environment.
Capacity & Output
Next, think about how large of a unit you need based on the size of your family and typical hot water usage habits. Generally speaking, larger households require tanks with higher capacities than smaller ones to meet demand during peak periods like showering time or laundry day. Also, consider the output rate (measured in gallons per hour) — this will give you an idea if it can handle multiple applications simultaneously without significant drops in temperature or pressure levels.
Cost & Installation Fees
Aside from product cost, another factor to consider when shopping for a new water heater is the installation costs associated with having it installed by a professional plumber or contractor. In addition, some manufacturers offer discounts or rebates on the purchase of certain models, so do some research beforehand to see if any apply to you!
Also, make sure that the price includes any necessary permits required by local codes; these usually range from $50-150 depending on where you live but can be more expensive if there are special circumstances involved (e.g. replacing an older model with something newer/larger capacity).
Additional features & maintenance requirements
When comparing options, look out for additional features such as self-cleaning capabilities and digital displays that provide real-time feedback on temperature settings or operating status updates – these can come in handy over time! Finally, don’t forget about maintenance requirements such as flushing out deposits every 6 months or so – not doing this regularly could lead to reduced performance as well as higher energy bills down the line due to increased resistance from deposits in pipes/tubes associated with the operation (e.g. burner tubes, etc.).
Warranty Coverage
Finally, check that manufacturers’ warranties cover parts AND labor – many companies only offer limited coverage, leaving the buyer liable for any repairs outside the normal warranty period (e.g. after 1 year, etc). Having good support behind product purchases offers peace of mind knowing that customer service representatives will be available should anything go wrong within a specified window from the date of purchase!
