Water heaters supply hot water for sinks, showers and other plumbing fixtures.
About 25 percent of the average family's utility expenses are spent on heating water, according to the California Energy Commission. To keep energy costs in check and keep your home running comfortably, take the time to research the best electric water heater for your family. Unlike traditional gas-powered models, electric water heaters require no venting or exhaust, making them easy to install and maintain. When comparing different models, consider factors such as size, flow rate and efficiency ratings to find the right unit for your needs.
Instructions
1. Size your water heater carefully. According to United Electric Cooperative (UEC), water-heater sizes can vary from six to 120 gallons. A unit that is too small for your home will leave you with frequent cold showers, while a unit that's too large is a waste of money in terms of upfront costs and monthly heating expenses. For a family of four, the UEC recommends a 50-gallon heater, while a family of five to seven needs at least an 80-gallon capacity.
2. Compare efficiency ratings for each unit, which is listed as the energy factor, or EF. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the most efficient water heaters have an EF of 0.93. A unit with this EF will cost about 3 percent less to operate than a unit with an EF of 0.90. The higher the EF, the more efficiently the unit operates.
3. Decide if you want a traditional tank unit or a new demand system, which does not store heated water in a tank. According to the ACEEE, tankless water heaters use about 10 to 15 percent less energy than a similarly sized tank-based unit. Tankless systems also provide instant hot water, but tend to have a lower flow rate than water heaters with tanks. Homeowners should also consider whether their home can accommodate the substantial wiring and electrical capacity required for tankless systems.Tank systems take a few minutes to get warm water to your plumbing fixtures, but can serve more fixtures within the home at the same time.
4. Check the first-hour rating, or FHR, of the unit you are considering. This rating represents the peak flow of the unit, and it a measures of how much hot water it can provide during the busiest hours within a household. Units with a high FHR can provide enough hot water for all family members to take a morning shower, while those with a lower FHR may not be able to supply hot water to your washing machine and dishwasher at the same time. The California Energy Commission (CEC) recommends that homes with 1.5 bathrooms have a water heather with a FHR between 43 and 60, while homes with two or 2.5 baths have one with a FHR between 60 and 90. Homes with three or more bathrooms will need a water heater with a FHR between 72 and 90 on average.
5. Consider lifetime costs, not just upfront price differences. According to the CEC, a water heater with an EF of 0.53 costs $177 a year to run, while a model with an EF of 0.65 costs $144. Over the average 13-year life of most water heaters, the 0.65 EF model can save homeowners $429. If the more efficient of these two units only costs slightly more than the other, it can be the better buy. Check the chart at the CEC website for more cost-comparison information.
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