There is an array of hot water heaters to choose from when shopping for a new one. As a general rule, always make sure it comes with a warranty. Usually, the longer the warranty is, the longer the water heater will last. Most hot water heaters are sold based on their capacity. Two to four people use around 80-85 gallons of water per day. This is equivalent to about three showers, turning on the faucet 10 times and two loads of laundry. The price of heating water accounts for about 20 percent of the average home's energy cost. Some tankless water heaters claim to save 50 percent of what you would spend on energy for regular storage heaters, but they cost more up front. There are three main types of hot water heaters; storage tank, tankless, and hybrid electric.

Storage-tank heaters are essentially steel cylinders that cold water is pumped into and heated up. The hot water then exits through the hot water pipe on top of the tank. Gas is the usual fuel of choice for these types of hot water heaters. They cost more up front than an electric heater, but cost less to run. Some people are concerned with wasting extra water left in the tank, but after assessing your family's needs, this problem can be avoided.

Tankless heaters, also known as instantaneous water heaters, heat water on an as needed basis using an electric coil. These hot water heaters are much smaller than storage-tank heaters and are mounted on a wall, usually in a garage or a utility closet. For a family with a higher demand for water, these units can run on natural gas. Tankless heaters are a clear choice for environmentalists because they eliminate the need to reheat water. These hot water heaters generally cost more and may limit hot water flow rates for large families. In very cold areas, the water may not be as hot as you like using these types of hot water heaters.

Hybrid electric hot water heaters use a storage heater paired with a pump that takes the heat from the surrounding air and uses it to help heat the water. Some of these types of hot water heaters use up to 60 percent less energy than standard electric heaters. Hybrid heaters cost more than standard electric only models, but the installation is relatively inexpensive. The energy savings on these hot water heaters pays off in the end as well for most people that end up buying one.

Before you shell out hundreds of dollars for a hot water heater, make sure you do your research and find the appropriate model that will offer you the most savings for your needs. The savings that can be attained by purchasing water heaters will depend on your hot water needs and the utility costs that are associated to your area. By doing your research, you will be able to select the water heater unit that will work best for your home and family.

Hot Water Heaters