How do I choose the right size water heater for my home?

Selecting the correct tank size is vital for your household's hot water needs. Larger families or homes with high hot water demand should consider bigger tank capacities, ranging from 30 gallons to over 100 gallons. For personalized tips, check the Water Heater Buying Guide.

Which is better: electric or natural gas water heaters?

Electric water heaters often cost less to buy and install but may have higher operating costs. Natural gas units cost more upfront but are generally cheaper to operate. For energy savings, look for models with ENERGY STAR® certification. Learn more in our Water Heater Buying Guide.

How does tank location affect water heater efficiency?

If you notice long wait times for your faucets or sinks to deliver hot water, your water heater may be too far from outlets or you might require a stronger unit. Proper placement and capacity can improve efficiency and reduce wasted water. See our Water Heater Buying Guide for advice.

Are water heaters energy efficient?

Efficiency varies by model and fuel type. Electric tanks tend to be more energy efficient, measured by their energy factor rating. For the best savings, consider ENERGY STAR® certified water heaters. Our buying guide can help you compare options.

What should I do if I still have questions about choosing a water heater?

If you need more help or have unique requirements, our experts are happy to assist. Please contact us for friendly support and answers to all your water heater questions.

800-860-3577

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Frequently Asked Questions

Water Heaters

No modern home is complete without a water heater. From waking up with a hot shower to washing dishes in the evening, hot water is an amenity we use throughout the day. Finding the right unit is essential because the decision impacts performance, your home and your wallet. Even the most cost-efficient models will take up a sizable share of your energy spending. Slow temperature control and leaks can waste a lot of H2O and increase your monthly water bill in the process. It may seem like a non-issue at first, but those minutes spent running your faucet and shower expecting it to warm can really add up. Before you know it, you'll be paying way more than you should, especially if you live in a household with a lot of people.

Flexible Sizing Available

If you're trying to accommodate an extra-large household, you'll want to consider tank size above other deciding factors. Put simply, more tank capacity means more hot water readily available. Everyone has been in a situation where they had to wait to take a hot shower because the person before them was in too long. This would happen all the time to a family of six if their tank capacity is only fit for two. Another size-related factor to consider is how one will fit in your available space. Abt offers a large variety of tank sizes to accommodate your needs. The storage capacity of our units ranges from roughly 30 gallons to over 100 gallons. They also vary in length and width, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your home. While finding the right size for your unit is important, other factors are critical as well. If you often wait for your sink or shower to heat up, the location of your heater may be too far from the desired outlet, you may have improper pipes, or you might not have a strong enough tank. Electrical units with a higher wattage heat their supply faster, while natural gas systems with more BTUs do the same. Some models are stronger than others, so it is important to look at the numbers before purchasing.

Electric vs. Natural Gas

While there are many different unit types, the decision to pick yours usually boils down to electric or natural gas fuel. In your case, this may not be an important factor because many houses are already fitted for a specific power source. Make sure to check your home before purchasing a water heater so you can avoid making a mistake. If you do have a choice between both fuel sources, there are differences you should consider before buying. Natural gas systems generally cost more than their electric counterparts upfront, but less to operate. This allows you to recoup the initial costs over time. Electric tanks usually cost less to buy and install but more to operate. They also tend to be more energy-efficient, which you can verify by checking the energy factor rating. A higher number means it is more efficient. If you're a natural gas-ready home hoping for lower energy bills and a greener lifestyle, there are high-efficiency models available. These are given ENERGY STAR® certification, which means they consume less energy than comparable units.

If you would like to learn more about our selection of water heaters or have any other questions, call Abt at 800-860-3577. We have a team of experts ready to help you make the right decision.