May. 26, 2025
Whether you’ve just taken that first unexpected cold shower or simply wish to reduce your energy bill, purchasing a new hot water tank is an important task. In addition to an energy--efficient water heater, you also want to select one that meets the hot water needs of your home and family. To take the guesswork and frustration out of the process, determine what you need before you go shopping. Household needs to consider include:
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Not sure when to replace your water heater? Our article, How to Decide Between Water Heater Repair or Replacement, will help you make the right choice.
First, find out what type of fuel source is in the home. Here are the differences between electric, gas/propane andhybrid fuel types.
The most common type of water heater, an electric unit, requires a dedicated 240-volt connection. This type of water heater utilizes one or two replaceable heating elements to heat water. They’re available in energy-efficient models, with sizes ranging between 28 and 100+ gallons. Advantages of these water heaters include lower up-front costs, easy installation and safe operation. Disadvantages include slower heating times, power outage susceptibility and higher average operating costs.
See How to Install an Electric Water Heater for more information.
These appliances use a burner to heat water. Gas unit sizes range from 30 to 100 gallons. Some cons of these water heaters include a need for more air circulation space around the unit and the need to place the unit at a safe distance from combustible materials. Gas or propane water heaters are typically more expensive than electric water heaters.
Here are useful tips on How to Install a Gas Water Heater.
Like electric water heaters, heat pumps or hybrid water heaters require a dedicated 240-volt connection for safe operation. They’re designed to use energy from the air to heat water. Benefits of this water heater type include more energy-efficient operation than other types and versatile installation as both built-in and add-on tanks. Tank sizes range from 50 to 80 gallons, making them unsuitable for some smaller spaces. They’re also more expensive, requiring a larger initial investment before realizing energy savings.
There are many water heater types on the market, each fulfilling a particular niche or need. When you need to choose the best unit for your family’s size and available utilities, our water heater buying guide gives you the information and dependable advice you need to help you find the water heater that’s right for you.
Storage tank water heaters are the most common type of water heaters They’re available in electric models as well as natural gas and liquid propane models. These household appliances heat water and store it in an insulated tank until you need it. To determine an estimate of the energy efficiency and yearly operating costs of each model, look at the product label in the store or product description online.
Advantages of these water heaters include flexible sizing that fits in both tall and compact spaces. Electric models can be energy-efficient in all climates, and the repair and replacement costs are relatively low. Additionally, water heaters powered by gas or propane withstand electrical outages that may occur.
Learn how to Create an Energy-Efficient Home with the help of this article.
Tankless, or on-demand, water heaters don’t store hot water. Instead, they heat water as it passes through a series of coils in the unit. A tankless heater is usually more energy-efficient than a traditional storage tank water heater because the unit only heats water as you use it and, therefore, it doesn’t have to keep unused water hot. A tankless unit provides a limited flow rate of hot water — most tankless units can provide up to 7.5 gallons of heated water per minute. making them a good choice for those who don’t typically require hot water from more than two places in their home at a time.
Other benefits of tankless water heaters include a space-saving design that frees up valuable storage space. Because these units don’t hold water, they eliminate the risk of leaky or burst tanks. Tankless water heaters do have drawbacks, however. They’re typically more expensive than conventional units and you may need extra units to ensure appliances have an adequate hot water supply.
Electric tankless water heaters can provide instant hot water but don’t require as much space as a conventional storage tank model. Electric tankless models have longer life spans than standard electric water heaters. While having a higher initial cost, the annual cost savings from the unit’s efficiency can be substantial. Units can supply up to 7 gallons of hot water per minute.
If your home currently uses natural gas, then replacing your old gas tank water heater with a natural gas tankless water heater might be a great choice for comfort and value. These units are about the size of a small suitcase, and you can install them inside or outside of your home. These long-lasting water heaters are very efficient, providing up to 11 gallons of hot water per minute. Another benefit is that, since tankless water heaters don’t store water, they don’t develop rust and corrosion like storage tank models can. You should have a professional complete the installation.
Like the natural gas models, liquid propane tankless water heaters can take advantage of existing gas lines for a compact hot-water solution. Propane gas will provide a bigger boost in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per dollar than electricity will, so propane tankless water heaters can double the output of hot water when compared to the output of an electric model. Most models can support two to three appliances simultaneously, meaning the dishwasher, washing machine and shower can all have enough hot water to function. And since the unit doesn’t store heated water, you get fresh, clean, hot water every time you use it. You should have a professional complete the installation.
Check out our Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide for tips on how to find the right tankless hot water heater.
Small storage tank water heaters, known as point-of-use (POU) or utility water heaters, are good choices for adding hot water to outbuildings, shops or garages. Utility water heaters usually range in size from 2-1/2 to 19 gallons. The largest of these heaters can also be used to provide hot water to secondary bathrooms that may be situated far from your home’s main water heater.
Mobile homes require a specific kind of water heater which must be approved by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You can purchase both gas and electric water heaters for mobile homes, but if you select gas, be sure to buy the correct type — propane or natural gas — for your connection.
If these units are enclosed with no outside access, you’ll need to select a sealed combustion gas water heater. When you have outside access, standard gas water heaters are typically sufficient. Make sure to check your measurements carefully before installation as door openings in mobile homes have smaller-than-average sizing.
Running a business that requires a high volume of hot water, like a restaurant, hotel or laundromat, requires a commercial water heater. Storage tanks are common, but there can also be uses for tankless. These units can include a storage tank or be tankless, depending upon the amount of hot water the business uses. The majority of commercial water heaters are gas-powered models because they’re more efficient than electric models.
Available for electric water heaters, this feature keeps the upper element from burning out if the unit senses no water around it.
ENERGY STAR® certified water heaters will display the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. This rating helps consumers save money while protecting the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.
Manufacturers indicate water-heating efficiency with an energy factor (EF) rating. The higher the EF, the more efficient the model. While some of the most high-efficiency water heater models may be slightly more expensive, they’re designed to save you money in the long run.
Compare the performance and operating costs of different water heater models by looking at the EnergyGuide label. This information gives you an idea of performance expectations and estimated annual operating costs for the water heater model you’re considering.
Water heaters with intuitive technology adjust temperature and other operating features according to your specific needs and use patterns. Benefits of choosing a heater equipped with this kind of responsive technology include better energy efficiency, increased durability and smarter performance.
Certain gas water heaters now feature an electronic gas valve. With fewer moving parts than a conventional mechanical gas valve, these water heaters yield more reliable and accurate performance for better temperature control and faster recovery of hot water. An LED indicator confirms the pilot is lit and provides diagnostic feedback on operating performance. This innovative valve is self-powered by a thermopile, which is a device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. Since an external power source isn’t required, installation is hassle-free.
A Wi-Fi module is now available in select electric water heaters that lets you control your water temperature remotely. You can customize your schedule to ensure hot water availability in your water heater tank only when you need it, saving you money on your energy bill. These units also send an alert if your tank is low on hot water.
There are many hot water tank accessories available to improve the safety and efficiency of your water heater.
Expansion tanks hold the additional volume of water that the heater produces when heating cold water in the main tank. These accessories connect to your standard water heater tank through your plumbing.
Cut down on energy use and save money by running the water heater only when you need it. You can wire a hot water heater timer into the unit’s electrical supply and set it so the water heater only draws electricity at specified times.
Water leak detectors sit either on the floor or in the pan beside the water heater. They sense any leakage or overflow and emits an audible alarm to alert the homeowner to a problem. Some of these alarms are compatible with Wi-Fi and able to send alerts to a smartphone.
These blankets are made to fit over the unit and improves the insulating ability of the water heater. Insulating blankets are best for heaters that reside in garages or other unheated spaces.
These pans sit under the heater and collect water from leaks or overflows caused by excess pressure in the tank. The pan has an opening in the side for a drain hose to carry away any overflow water.
Water heater stands raise gas units off the ground and reduce the risk of fire if flammable liquid spills nearby. If you’re replacing an old water heater and adding a stand to your new one, this addition affects your measurements, plumbing and venting. Unless you have advanced plumbing skills, you should hire a professional to install it.
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If you’d prefer to leave water heater installation to the pros, reach out to us. We’re happy to help.
Below are some frequently asked questions about water heaters.
Maintaining your water heater ensures optimal energy efficiency and gives you a chance to visually inspect components, helping you get a handle on small issues before they become big problems. Here are some basic tasks required to maintain your hot water heater over time. Also, follow the maintenance care recommendations by the hot water heater’s manufacturer.
To keep your water heater operating smoothly, get the information you need on
How to Maintain a Water Heater.
If you’re not a DIYer and need some help with performing regular water heater maintenance, contact a professional.
A residential water heater, whether with a tank or tankless, is meant to provide heated water on demand for activities like running a washing machine or filling a bathtub. Storage tank models usually hold up to 80 gallons and the recommended water temperature for residential units is 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent scalding and burns on users.
Commercial water heaters must provide a constant, steady supply of hot water for users. Businesses like restaurants, hotels, office buildings and apartments must have a ready reserve of hot water to keep things running smoothly. Unlike residential water heaters, manufacturers design commercial units for constant use. They’re larger, capable of storing 250 gallons or more, and have heavy-duty components to handle the rigors of high demand. Commercial water heaters also have a higher temperature setting to heat water for sanitary dishwashing and washing towels and bed linens. Most commercial units are gas-powered, with multiple inputs for large tanks.
Manufacturers classify storage tank water heaters by the amount of water they hold in gallons. To ensure that your household has enough hot water, it’s important to determine how much hot water you need on average. Unless you choose a tankless water heater, you’ll need a larger tank for a larger household.
Another consideration for a storage tank water heater is the recovery rate, or the number of gallons of water it can heat in an hour while refilling the tank. The greater your demand for hot water, the higher recovery rate you need. This means you also need to consider the number of fixtures or appliances your water heater must support simultaneously.
If you want to know what to look for in a water heater so it’s adequate for your household, use these recommendations as a guide. If you intend to use a tank-style model, use the guidance below to help you find the water heater size you need.
Minimum Gallon-Capacity Recommendations
Electric Water Heater
Gas Water Heater
If your space can’t accommodate a standard-size water heater, there are alternatives. These options provide the same level of performance as a standard water heater and are available for electric, natural gas or propane systems.
Lowboy and Short Water Heater Space Requirements
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Hot Water Pump.
These electric models are shorter and wider than a normal water heater. This size of water heater holds the same amount of water as its larger counterparts while fitting in areas with limited headroom, such as crawlspaces and under cabinets. Lowboy water heater sizes can vary between 30 and 49 inches in height and hold up to 50 gallons of water.
Tall Water Heater Space Requirements
Gas and electric tall water heaters have size ranges from 50 to 76 inches tall and can hold up to 100 gallons of water. They’re ideal for basements or garages where height isn’t an issue. If you choose a hybrid water heater, note that it requires extra space to function properly, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s information for proper installation.
Investing in a new hot water heater for your home or business is a big expense and we want to help you be informed before making this large financial decision.
Therefore, the plumbers at Assured Comfort have created a comprehensive list of the ten questions you must ask your plumbing company before purchasing and having your new water heater installed in your home.
The ten questions below will help you be educated about your purchase and ensure that you are buying the perfect water heater for your specific needs.
This is the most common question people ask when it comes time to replace their water heater.
There are two main kinds of hot water heaters, tankless and traditional, and neither is better than the other. They both have their advantages and disadvantages and different types work better for different people.
The type of water heater you buy should be primarily dependent on your type of household and how many people will be utilizing hot water on a daily basis.
Talk to your plumber about your budget, energy conservation concerns, and how many people are in your household, they will take everything into consideration and present you with the best option for your needs.
The size of tank you require ultimately depends on the size of your home, business, family, etc.
Most customers are searching for a water heater for their home, not a commercial size water tank.
Therefore, your decision will be dependent on how many people are in your home.
If there are only one or two people in a home, you don’t want to go too big because you will waste money and energy, but if you have a family of five you don’t want to go too small (unless you enjoy taking cold showers on a daily basis).
The average size of water tank for a home range from 20-50 gallons.
Talk to your plumber and let him know your personal needs and they should be able to determine the best fit for you.
Most equipment made today is energy efficient, however, if you getting a higher quality model with the latest technology, it will probably be even more energy efficient.
These systems are usually pricey, but they will pay off in the long run with all the money you save in utility bills.
If you are very concerned about conserving energy, a tankless water heater might be for you.
Although they can only produce a limited amount of hot water per minute, they are significantly more energy efficient than a traditional water storage tank.
A certified plumber should be able to remove your old water heater and install the new one in approximately three hours. This time frame is under normal circumstances and with no unforeseen issues occurring.
We understand that your time is valuable and being without water is a major hassle, so we try to replace your water heater as quickly as possible.
When you purchase your new water heater from a quality plumbing company, they will most likely offer to haul your old one away after installing your new one.
Your plumbing company will be sure your water tank is disposed of safely and properly, so you do not need to worry about it.
Some plumbers charge an extra fee for this service and some do not so be sure to ask and see if you can make a deal since you are spending thousands of dollars with them for a new water heater.
No matter which plumbing company you choose to install your new system, you should be able to choose from whichever brand of water heater you wish.
Most plumbing companies will partner with a few top brands, so you can probably get a better deal if you choose one of those options, but picking a particular brand should never pose an issue.
If your plumbing company only sells one or two brands, it can be extremely limiting and prevent you from being able to choose from the latest technology.
If a plumber is making you feel forced to pick from a limited number of brands, I would find a different company to work with.
However, I would always recommend asking why they chose a certain brand, and why they prefer to work with that company.
Maybe they will tell you something that you didn’t know and you will decide to go with one of their brands, but do not be talked into something in the moment that you don’t really want to do.
This is a large financial decision, so take some time to think about it first.
Getting a yearly inspection and cleaning can help keep your water heater in great condition.
During an annual tune-up, your plumber should check to make sure your water heater is working properly and efficiently.
This will include inspecting things like; the pressure relief valve, filters, burner assembly, anode rod and the power supply that heats the water.
Only if necessary should the tank be flushed to remove built-up sediment.
Having this maintenance performed will ensure that your water heater continues to perform optimally for a long time.
When you buy a new water heater, it is very unlikely that it will have a problem, especially within the first few years.
However, you want to make sure you are protected in case the worst happens, or you receive a faulty system.
Most units come with a warranty up to five years, but ask before you buy and make sure to double check everything that the warranty covers in the event that something does malfunction or break.
If you are concerned about the length of your warranty, some manufacturers will offer extended warranties for you to purchase.
Additionally, some plumbers will even warranty their work, so if something they did causes an issue, they will fix it at no cost to you.
The cost will obviously depend on the size and type of water heater you choose.
However, according to HomeAdvisor, the national average for new water heaters was $1,000 for traditional and about $3,000 for tankless.
Tankless water heaters save you money in the long term so the cost upfront is fairly significant.
On the other hand, traditional water heaters are less pricey but you will continue to pay a good amount in utility bills month after month, so be sure to include the on-going cost in your budget.
It is important to understand the price breakdown when you are quoted for a water heater, so have your plumber explain the costs so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
For example, how much is the cost of the system and how much are the labor costs?
A licensed plumber should be called to install your new water heater.
This can be a difficult and dangerous job for the untrained individual, so it is always a safer bet to call a professionally trained and licensed plumber to complete the job quickly and correctly.
We can install your new water heater and take your old one away.
Do not wait until there is a serious and more expensive issue with your water heater, call our Atlanta Water Heater Team now to schedule your service.
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