| A water heater is a device that is | | | | used often. Families of up to four |
| installed in your home to store and heat | | | | should consider a fifty to eighty gallon |
| water. These generally run on either | | | | tank, and families with five or more |
| electricity or gas, depending on what | | | | should start at fifty gallons and may go |
| type of fuel source is prevalent in your | | | | to one hundred twenty if there is a high |
| area. Both versions run similarly and | | | | demand. |
| come in sizes from twenty to over one | | | | The number of gallons the water heater |
| hundred gallons. Before purchasing a new | | | | can heat per hour is called the recovery |
| water heater, there are a few things | | | | rate. This is also a consideration in |
| that should be considered. | | | | buying a water heater. If you have |
| The type of fuel to be used is a | | | | several people in your home who use hot |
| determining factor in which unit to | | | | water at the same time, a higher |
| choose. If you already have gas hook | | | | recovery will be beneficial. However, if |
| ups, a gas generated water heater will | | | | you have a more typical hot water use |
| be your best bet. These generally save | | | | pattern, a lower recover rate can be |
| on energy costs. However, electric units | | | | chosen. Water heaters with lower |
| can be run anywhere and if this is your | | | | capacities and lower recovery rates will |
| primary fuel source, an electric water | | | | be less expensive. |
| heater should be purchased. Costs to | | | | Water heaters come in a variety of |
| convert the fuel source from electric to | | | | dimensions. Ensure you have the proper |
| gas may be prohibitive so it is best to | | | | space available to physically install it |
| use whichever fuel source is already | | | | in the designated area. You will not |
| installed. | | | | usually have to sacrifice capacity to |
| Before determining the capacity of the | | | | get a water heater with smaller |
| water heater, look at your family's | | | | dimensions. Every water heater is tagged |
| needs. Also, think about the future and | | | | with an energy efficiency rating. Choose |
| whether your family will increase. | | | | the most efficient rating you can afford |
| Purchasing a water heater is an | | | | as this will help save on energy costs. |
| investment and future growth should be | | | | Water heaters are not difficult to |
| looked at to get one that will suit you | | | | purchase but there are a few things that |
| for many years. Determine how often hot | | | | need to be considered. Determine the |
| water is used in your home to decide | | | | capacity, size, fuel source, and energy |
| whether you have high or regular demand | | | | efficiency needed for your home. Compare |
| for hot water. For a family of two, | | | | prices to determine the model that will |
| choose a water heater that has at least | | | | best suit you and your family for years |
| a thirty gallon capacity or up to a | | | | to come. |
| fifty gallon capacity if hot water is | | | | |