What To: Look For When Buying A Water Heater

This is the gold standard for efficiency—the higher the number, the better.

Water heating accounts for roughly 18-20% of home energy use. what to look for when buying a water heater

If you live in a cold climate, your heater has to work harder to heat incoming water, so you may need a unit with a higher BTU or kW rating. 2. Efficiency and Long-Term Costs This is the gold standard for efficiency—the higher

High-efficiency ENERGY STAR certified models often qualify for federal tax credits or local utility rebates that offset their higher upfront cost. 3. Durability and Build Quality Durability and Build Quality The difference between a

The difference between a "big box" store model and a "professional grade" unit from a plumbing supplier can be significant. The 5 Best Water Heater Brands, According to HVAC Experts

Natural gas is often cheaper to operate than standard electric, but Heat Pump (Hybrid) water heaters are the champions of efficiency, using up to 70% less electricity than traditional models.