Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to water heaters. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, you should know right off the bat that you need to choose the size that’s right for your home. In today’s post, plumbing and AC repair contractor McLay Services shares a quick guide on how to choose a new water heater for your home.
Factors to Consider
There are two major factors to consider when buying a new water heater: capacity and heating efficiency. Ideally, your water heater should have the capacity to store the appropriate amount of hot water that may be needed at one time, such as when everyone in the household is taking a hot shower in the morning.
If you find yourself needing hot water throughout the day, you also have to consider heating efficiency, which is measured by Energy Factor (EF). ENERGY STAR® certified heaters are among the latest heating and HVAC technology trends because they can help homeowners save on utility bills.
Other factors you should consider are the physical size of the tank—which will need to be able to fit in the room in which it will be stored—as well as the number of bathrooms, the number of people in the household and the fixtures where hot water will be utilized. Your family’s usage pattern may be a bit different these days because of COVID-19, but think about your usage under normal circumstances for when things go back to normal. After all, you probably won’t want to replace your water heater after just a few months of use.
Choosing the Right Size of Water Heater
Your water heater should be neither too big or too small. An oversized water heater will waste more energy because it will lose heat through the tank walls, which will prompt the heating element to turn itself on too often. An undersized water heater, on the other hand, will redline all the time in an effort to keep up with your family’s hot water needs.
Your heating technician can help determine your water requirements in gallons. In addition to bathing, you also need hot water for your dishwasher and washing machine to use. Other aspects of heating, such as fuel vs. electric, First Hour Rating (which indicates how much water a single heater can provide) and tank vs. tankless options will be discussed with you prior to choosing the right unit.
Call McLay for Your Water Heating & Plumbing Needs
If you’re looking for a new water heater or a surge protector for your AC unit, call McLay at (909) 392-2202 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in La Verne, CA, and surrounding communities.
