Water Heater Buying Guide

The answer depends on a few different factors that connect to water usage, but the first thing to take into account is how many people you have in your home. When choosing what size water heater you need, a good rule of thumb is to factor in how many people live there. Opt for a capacity of 10-15 gallons per person per household as a rule of thumb. If your home and family tends to use a little extra water on long showers, large bathtubs, and you have multiple bathrooms, you'll need a larger model. We recommend 30 gallons for two people, 40 for three people, 50 for four people, and 80 for five people. If that answers all your questions, call us at 800-860-3577 to order your new heater.

While that answers the big question of what size water heater you need, there's more information you should know before ordering one. Different fuel types and heating methods ensure that every type of home can have hot water when it's necessary. Learn more about the different types below as our in-house specialists answer the question: "How do hot water heaters work?"

Natural gas is a popular fuel for all kinds of appliances, from kitchen ranges to outdoor grills. It's just as popular for water heaters, and many models are designed just for this fuel. They tend to use less energy and cost less to run than competitor fuel types, but they're often a larger initial investment. For many folks, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. And if you've been a homeowner before, this might be the familiar choice that just feels right. It works well for nearly any size water heater as well, helping to answer the question of "What size water heater do I need?" If you prefer natural gas, you'll likely be able to find it in whatever model you're looking for—that is, unless you're really living off the beaten path. In that case, you've got lots of options, too.

Liquid propane fuel is often used for homes in areas where natural gas is not available, like in more rural communities. While it may not be the most popular pick, its a powerful solution for anyone who needs hot water and prefers gas over electric. While natural gas costs less than propane, you might be surprised to hear that LP models run very efficiently. It's a clean-burning fuel source, too, ensuring that it doesn't contaminate the space around your home. When there's no private natural gas line running to your home, liquid propane is a good choice to fuel your hot showers.

"What size water heater do I need?" The answer shouldn't change between liquid propane and natural gas tanked models. It's when you get into the tankless models that the answer to that question stats to get a bit different.

Electric water heaters are just as popular as natural gas models, and are another great option for homes that don't have a private natural gas line or prefer not to use gas at all. How do water heaters work? These models fueled by electricity work by using an electric heating element inside of the tank. The process is simple, easy and efficient. The largest downside is that natural gas is often lower priced than electricity, resulting in a utility bill that's higher for electric models.

There's more to ask than just "What size water heater do I need?" In fact, it's important to think about the different types and what might be best for your home. We've talked about the different sizes that are right for tank models, but there are other options out there. The next most popular option would be tankless versions: these are more energy efficient and can provide hot water the moment you request it in the kitchen sink, though they can be expensive to buy and install. They heat the water as it passes through heating coils, heating the water as you use it for a more energy-efficient process. They're efficient with space too: they're wall mounted, giving you extra room in the basement or utility closet. However, they require natural gas or liquid propane fuel, and won't work with electricity. Depending on your water usage, you may need a second or third tankless unit for your home: they can often deliver 3-7 gallons of hot water per minute.

A final drawback to electric water heaters would be that there may be some extra plumbing and gas line work involved in installation, especially if you're switching from a tank model to a tankless version. A larger gas meter may need to be installed as well. Weigh your pros and cons: if you want hot water only as it is needed AND hope to save energy rather than heat an entire tank as you store water, then these models are the right choice for you.

Still looking to learn more about water heaters? Below, we've answered the most popular questions about these household appliances, so keep reading and prepare to upgrade your unit with confidence.

How long your water heater lasts is dependent on various factors, including water volume, quality and temperature. The longevity also changes based on what kind of water heater you have. So long as you perform proper maintenance, tank water heaters can last for eight to twelve years, while tankless models can last over 20 years.

The price of a water heater relies on details like brand, venting type, capacity, fuel type, whether the model is tanked vs. tankless and much more. Currently, the water heaters at Abt range anywhere from $757 to $4107.

The cost to replace a water heater depends on your current system and the new water heater you've purchased. Some systems may be able to be replaced seamlessly, while other upgrades may require more work. Abt is happy to provide water heater installation to local customers, so check out our price estimates and schedule an appointment today.

As explored in this buying guide, choosing the size of your new water heater relies on several factors. But the biggest question to ask yourself is, "How many people live in my home?". Knowing how many people will need hot water for daily cleansing (and how much water each person tends to use) will help you pick the perfect capacity.

There are several reasons why your water heater may be leaking, including loose fittings/pipe connections, a faulty pressure relief valve, a corroded tank, a damaged drain valve or a corroded anode rod. Water heaters are not the type of appliance you want to attempt DIY fixes on due to the importance of their job in the household. If you're a local customer and notice your appliance leaks, please inquire about a water heater repair with Abt.

Consider your home, your family and your needs. "What size water heater do I need?" is a simple enough question to answer when choosing a tanked unit, and you've got options when it comes to fuel sources. Some areas even offer ways to heat via solar energy. If you've explored our guide and still aren't sure, come to the experts for help. Call our team of specialists at 800-860-3577 to speak to our experts in all things plumbing, and we'll help you choose the model that's correct for your home and family. Explore our options online to get a better understanding of what's popular right now, too.