Choosing a water heater for your home can be intimidating. The choices are many, and the prices range from affordable to “whoa!” Not only that, but you also have to decide whether it should be gas or electric, what size tank is right for your family’s needs (and budget), and so on. So how do you know which one is best? Well, here are some tips on picking the perfect water heater with just six questions:

1. What Type of Fuel Would Work Best in My Area?

You already know that electric water heaters are more popular in the majority of American households. But gas water heaters, though less popular than their electrical brethren, are still widely available. When you look at your situation, you’ll need to decide whether one is better for you than the other.

Here are some facts about each type of unit so that you can make a more informed decision:

Electric water heaters usually cost less than gas models, and they are considered an “energy star rated unit.” They have great efficiency ratings (score higher on the energy factor scale) and require little maintenance. When compared to natural gas water heaters, they are often easier to install and maintain. However, some people may not like the fact that there is an electric cord running from the unit to the wall outlet.

It’s also worth noting that the electric water heater is not a good choice for people living in areas with frequent power outages.

2. How Much Water Do You Use?

Many people will use water from the tap without even thinking about it. If your family is like this, then you need to get a bigger unit.

Are there other appliances or fixtures that use a lot of hot water in your home (like a dishwasher or washing machines)? Do you often have large groups of friends and/or relatives who come over for big parties? If any (or all) of the above scenarios are true for your home, you probably shouldn’t buy an undersized unit. It will run out of hot water too quickly, and you’ll end up wasting a lot of energy.

3. What’s Your Budget?

Again, this factor is very important. If you have a family and live in an area where the cost of living is high, you need to find ways to save money every year. However, buying a cheap water heater might not be a good idea. It might save you a few bucks now, but it can turn into an expensive mistake in the future.

4. How Much Space Do You Have?

You should also consider how much space you have in your home before purchasing a water heater. In most cases, gas water heaters are larger than electric models. Some of them even come with tanks that are more than 75 gallons in size! It’s recommended that these larger tanks be installed in areas away from the living space to reduce noise and for safety reasons.

5. What Features Do You Need?

Though the choice between gas and electric water heaters is essentially your call, you might want to consider a few key features. For example, if you have kids in your household, it would be wise to opt for “safety features” like anti-scald devices or float valves. These can help prevent scalding, and they will ensure that your children are protected at all times.

6. What’s Your Climate Like?

Installing a water heater that isn’t suited to the weather in your area can create problems for you down the road. If you live in an area where temperatures reach below freezing regularly, you need to think about getting a tankless unit or adding insulation to the main unit. These measures are valuable investments because they will help keep your water heaters functioning properly for many years.

As you can see, many factors should be considered before a water heater installation. At Winchester Plumbing and Gas Services Inc., we can advise you on the best options based on your needs and preferences. Call us today for a consultation! We also offer affordable plumbing services as well as water treatment solutions.