No one enjoys taking a shower with cold water or paying expensive utility bills. Unfortunately, water heaters can be very costly, unless you purchase a good brand that comes with energy-efficient features among several other advanced technologies. With this is mind, choosing the best brand of water heater is crucial to provide you and your family with hot water whenever you need it.

Storage tank types of water heating unit is among the most preferred type of heater, which comes with a tank that is insulated and stores or heat when necessary. You can find various models for this unit such as electric, natural gas, and liquid propane (LP). If you want to save on your electricity bills, then liquid propane and natural gas water heating units are economical options since they consume less energy than electric models.

Newer models of gas water heaters also feature a sophisticated electronic gas valve, which yields to precision performance, quicker hot water recovery, and improved temperature control. They also have a special LED indicator that provides you with a diagnostic feedback on the unit’s operating performance. On the other hand, electric water heaters have a dry-fire protection component. This advanced feature prevents the unit’s upper components from easily burning out when the unit detects that there is no water supply around it.

What to Look For in Buying Water Heaters

As you check several water heater reviews and ratings, you will come across a number of brands that claim to be the best in the market. However, the cost may add up when you decide to purchase a unit with highly- sophisticated features that are irrelevant to your needs. Unless you have a huge budget for it, a high-end water heater may just be a great option for you. If you want to save some money without compromising quality, though, it is important to look for a water heater with basic features that are perfect for your needs and budget. The following are important factors that can help you shop for an excellent water heating unit without breaking the bank.

1. Consider the storage size.

A small storage-tank type of water heating unit is a practical choice for supplying hot water to shops, garages or outbuildings. This unit is capable of storing between 2.5 and 19 gallons of water. You can also find the largest size of this miniature unit, which can supply the right amount of hot water to areas located a bit farther from the main water heater in your home.

2. Determine the unit’s recovery rate.

As you compare different brands of water heaters in the market, make sure you check the recovery rate or amount of water that the unit can heat per hour. If you need a higher supply of hot water for your shower, then it makes perfect sense to choose a unit with a high recovery rate.

3. Go for units with energy-efficient features.

Units with high “Energy Factor” or EF rating are more efficient to use, although they may cost a bit more than those with lower EF. While water heaters with the Energy Star certification may be expensive, you will eventually save a higher amount because they consume less energy. So, compare key factors when shopping for a water heater such as the performance level and annual operating cost to help you find a good product that is worth your investment.

Top Brands of Water Heaters

If it is your first time to purchase a water heating unit, reading reviews of different brands can increase your chances of finding the right one that you need. Water heater consumer reports feature some of the finest brands of water heaters depending on the type of unit. For instance, those who prefer to buy tankless water heaters, some of the best brands you can find include Rinnai, Navien and Bosch. The Rinnai R75LSiN model offers a flow rate of hot water at 7.5 GPM , comes with an Energy-Star certification, and solid construction. On the other hand, the Navien NR-210A provides about 5.4 GPM flow rate in cold regions and at least 10 GPM in more temperate areas in the country.

As for buyers who look for electric tankless water heaters, Bosch remains as the finest brand that consistently receive positive feedbacks from consumers. The PowerStar and Ariston models can fit perfectly under the sink, although the Ariston model can be plugged into an outlet while the PowerStar needs to be wired into a circuit box. Another notable brand is Kenmore, which can store ample amounts of water that is enough for a small family.

GE is a highly recommended brand of hybrid electric water heater because of its energy-efficient features and eligibility for the 30% federal tax credit among several other incentives. Budget-conscious shoppers, on the other hand, may opt for Rheem gas water heater model that can store a maximum 40 gallons of hot water.

Be sure to check reviews and consumer reports as you search for a reliable water heater that will meet your needs and standards. Consider this shopping guide for water heaters, and look for key components in each unit to ensure your satisfaction in the product you purchase.