6 Common Mistakes When Buying a Water Heater

Water heaters come in a wide range of variety, so you’ll want to take the time to buy the right one to enhance your home’s current hot water system. However, the wrong water heater can create an inadequate user experience. To get you on the right track, we cover some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when buying a water heater.

#1. Buying a Water Heater Without Doing Research 

Every consumer should perform basic research before making a large purchase, including a water heater. 

There are a lot of water heaters out there with different capacities, features, and price points. 

Take the time to research the current water heater models in your budget.  While you may not end up with that exact model, you will have a good idea of what to expect in your new water heater.

#2. Buying the Wrong Size Water Heater

When it comes to your water heater, size definitely matters. 

If the water heater is too big, it will use an unnecessary amount of energy, which will reflect in your utility bills and increase your home’s carbon footprint. 

If the water heater is too small, it won’t keep up with your family’s hot water demands, leaving some people stuck waiting for the water heater to heat up new water.

When a water heater is just the right size, it covers all of your needs while keeping energy usage as low as possible. 

To get the correct size tank water heater, consider the amount of gallons of water your family uses collectively during peak demand and get a water heater that will cover that. 

For a tankless water heater, you’ll need to add up the flow rate of all fixtures that may operate at once and cover at least that amount. 

Learn more about how to size a water heater. 

#3. DIY Installation

#4. Not Thinking Long Term 

Consumers will notice that water heaters with similar specs can fall into different price categories.

Cheaper water heaters may cost less upfront, but they will end up costing more in the long-run since they will require repairs and replacement earlier than a sturdier model. 

More expensive models have high-end components made from strong materials, such as stainless steel or copper. These components will last longer than those made of less turdy materials. 

You should balance meeting your immediate budget with getting the best value for your money.

#5. Failing to Consider Energy Efficiency 

Water heaters come with an energy efficiency rating that indicates how efficient a particular water heater is. The more efficient a water heater, the less money you will pay on utility bills. It also means that the unit has less of a carbon footprint as well. 

The best way to ensure you have an energy efficient water heater is to look for the Energy Star sticker on the unit. 

Learn about rebates and tax credits you can get when you buy a new energy efficient water heater. 

#6. Not Considering Current Setup

To keep prices down, you should strongly consider picking a water heater that coincides with your current hot water system in regards to fuel and hookups. 

Your gas water heater connects to ventilation that transports carbon monoxide out of your home. There are several types of water heater ventilation systems. You’ll want to buy a water heater that shares the same ventilation system as your current water heater to make installation as convenient as possible. 

U.S. Water Heating Solutions

Before you buy your water heater, contact the experts at U.S. Water Heating Solutions to help you select the right water heater without making any of these common problems. 

Get a quote for your new water heater installation today!