Water heaters are installed to perform one job only — supply hot water to faucets and water-using appliances. But which one is right for your home?

There are many different types of water heaters on the market and they are available in different sizes and configurations. Use the following guidelines when choosing a water heater for your home.

How much hot water do you need?

Water heaters come in a variety of sizes to meet the demands of different households. The more people you have living in your home, the larger your unit should be to provide enough hot water for your household.

A hot water plumber can help you determine the correct-sized water heater for your home. Generally, traditional tank-based water heaters are suitable for larger homes because they can provide more hot water than their tankless cousins.

How much space is available for water heater installation?

When you are choosing a water heater for your home, you should consider the physical size of the equipment because it is going to influence how much space you will need to install it. If space is a problem in your home, you may be better off choosing a tankless water heater over the traditional one that comes with a water storage tank included.

Which kind of energy source are you going to use?

Water heaters use different types of fuel sources to heat water. The main types of energy sources available for water-heating equipment include natural gas, propane, electricity, sunshine, oil, and solid fuels. 

The best fuel source for your water heater depends on cost and availability. Crunch the numbers before choosing a particular fuel type over the others. You don't want to install a water heater that will be too expensive to operate throughout its lifespan.

Which types of water heaters do local installers specialize in?

Before choosing your water heater, it is a good idea to check with a few local hot water plumbers to find out which types of hot water systems they typically work on. It is generally recommended to install a water heater that is common in your area or region so that water heater technicians come to your home quickly when you need maintenance and repairs done on your hot water unit.

The right water heater will work reliably and efficiently, ensuring you have hot water when you need it and affordably. Contact a hot water plumber close to you to discuss your needs and get a quote for your job.