Whether you’ve just moved into your home or you’ve been in your house for years, there will come a time when you’ll probably have to replace your water heater.
You may have to replace this appliance sooner than you expected if you notice that the heater is not as efficient as before or is making unusual noises. Of course, there are times when the water heater bursts, and you’ll need to have it replaced immediately.
If you’re thinking about replacing your water heater or need to do so right away, you should know, which type of water heater should replace your old one.
When you’re in the marketing for a new heater, 40- and 50-gallon water heater varieties are the most popular. While you may automatically think that bigger is better when it comes to water heaters, you’ll have to consider the quality of the tank, as well as the energy factor, since this will affect your home’s warmth and the amount on your electricity bill.
Here are some of the tips to help decide, which water heater is best for you.
What Size of the Water Heater Do You Need?
You may be thinking that getting a tank that is as large as possible will ensure that your home always has hot water. However, it’s essential to consider the energy factor. Purchasing a heater that is too large or too small can overwork the heater and affect the temperature of your home.
If you need an estimate of how big your water heater must be, consider how many people are living in your home:
- You need a water heater that is 30-40 gallons if there are 1-2 people in your house.
- For 2 or 3 people, a 40-50-gallon water heater is usually the best.
- If you’re considering getting a 50-60-gallon water heater, this is ideal for a residence that houses 3 or 4 people.
- If your family includes 5 or more individuals, the ideal water heater size is between 60 and 80 gallons.
Keep in mind that the size of the water heater is directly related to its cost. So, the bigger the water heater is, the more it will cost you.
Consider the Cost of Running
Whether you have a gas water heater or an electric version, it’s important to ensure your heater has enough water and how much water you use each time you use the appliance.
Check the EnergyGuide label on the heater to get a good idea of the device’s energy consumption, particularly during the times of day when your family using the heater the most. This reading is known as FHR or First Hour Rating. To double-check this rate, you can assume that each person in your home uses 12 gallons of water for common tasks, like washing clothes or taking a shower. Just add one to the number of rooms in your home and then multiply this number by 12 gallons. The answer is the amount of water that should be available in the water heater at all times.
If the energy factor for your water heater is high, it is more efficient than appliances with a lower energy factor. Higher efficiency means it will be more affordable to run the heater. So, look for a tank with the best EF rating as it relates to your FHR rating. This rating will also give you insight into the recovery rate for your water heater.
Water Heater Maintenance
When you’re trying to control standby and cycling losses for your water heater, you should know how to maintain the appliance. Pay special attention to the warranty for your device so you’ll know who to contact if your water heater isn’t working properly.
If it’s not in your budget to replace your water heater, focus on the maintenance tips that especially apply to your device. For instance, you should know a 50-gallon high recovery vs 75-gallon heater specifications. When you know how to operate your water heater, you can extend the device life and save money while keeping your home safe.
Adding insulation to your water heater and flushing the tank is essential. When you insulate the tank, you can cut down on heating losses by up to 45% and make your water bill about 9% cheaper. When you flush sediment from your water heater, you improve its longevity. You can also ensure that an anode rod is hanging in the tank so the inside of the tank won’t develop rust. After all, it’s much easier and more affordable to replace the anode rod than the entire water heater. Keep these tips in mind when you’re in the market for a water heater or thinking about repairing your current device. You’ll be much happier with the efficiency of the appliance when you know how to operate it safely.