How to choose the right water heater

As a homeowner, you need to consider several factors to purchase the right water heater. In so doing, you will be saving utility costs, and repair and maintenance costs. Here are factors to consider:

Energy efficiency rating

Since you will depend on the water heater for about 10-15 years, you can end up wasting a lot of money paying utility bills. Therefore, consider SEER rating to get an energy-efficient appliance which is economical. The higher the SEER rating, the higher the energy efficiency and the higher the purchasing cost. However, it is advisable to spend a few hundred dollars when buying the appliance than paying high utility bills every month for a decade. In fact, you will end up saving a lot of money in the long run if major water heater repairs aren’t needed.

Size of the appliance

You need to consider the size of your family to determine the size of water heater to buy. If you’ve a big family, hot water requirements are high and hence you need to purchase an appliance that will be able to support the family. Therefore, the water heater should be having a large tank that can store more water for reliability and energy-saving purposes. However, you don’t need to buy such an appliance if you live alone or you have two or three family members. You need a medium to small appliance because it can comfortably provide enough hot water.

Type of water heater

Your plumbing system may determine the water heater type to install in your home. Sometimes, you may have to change your plumbing system or the ducts used because they are not compatible with the appliance bought. You need to do little research about available types to make the right decision. This will help you avoid high installation costs after buying the appliance. In addition, there are modern appliances which are energy efficient and effective and you should consider installing them. You will not only benefit from energy efficiency but also low repair and maintenance costs.

It is recommended to seek help from an experienced plumber for advice and suggestions when purchasing and installing a water heater. Alternatively, you can research online from different websites, and read comments and reviews from other people to make the right choice.