
Domestic homes in the United States are typically set up to use either gas or electric water heaters. One important fact to keep in mind is that it is often unnecessary to buy the same size water heater that you currently have in your home. Contemporary models of water heaters often feature water and energy saving advancements that might allow purchasing a smaller and subsequently less expensive water heater.
Before you buy, check the labels on water heaters to find out their Energy Factors, or EF ratings. The higher the EF rating, the better. Also look for First Hour Ratings, or FHR, which tells how many gallons of hot water on average can be made available in its first 60 minutes of use.
Tankless or On-Demand water heaters are a great alternative to water tanks if you live in a smaller apartment or home or desire to supplement a large home's central water heater. See the articles below to find out more about water heaters.