Choosing the right water heater for your home is essential for ensuring comfort, efficiency, and cost savings. And the average person doesn’t know how many options there are! At 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we know that picking the best water heater can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help homeowners make the right choice based on the home’s size, family needs, and water usage!
How Do Water Heaters Work?
Water heaters function by heating and storing water until it’s needed. Traditional tank water heaters store a certain number of gallons, heating the water consistently so it’s ready when you turn on the sink or shower. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand, providing a continuous supply without having to store it in a tank.
Factors That Affect Your Water Heater Choice
1. Size of Your Home
- Larger homes typically require larger water heaters to ensure an adequate hot water supply
- Smaller homes may be better suited for tankless systems or smaller tanks.
2. Family Size
- A single person or couple may do well with a 40-gallon water heater or a tankless system.
- A family of four or more will likely need an 80-gallon tank or a high-efficiency tankless unit.
3. Water Usage
- Homes with high hot water demands (multiple bathrooms, large tubs, frequent laundry) should consider larger tanks or indirect water heaters.
- If your household has lower water usage, a tankless or smaller tank system may be sufficient and more energy-efficient.
- Do you use the dishwasher, laundry machine, and take showers at the same time? That makes sense when everyone in the house comes home from work and school and winds down for the day at the same time. A teammate from 128 can actually help calculate your usage to help you make your decision.
4. Lifestyle
- Do you travel for a portion of the year? Or jet away for the winter? That could be a consideration when choosing a water heater.
- Is reducing your carbon footprint important to you? That can affect your decision based on energy usage.
5. Current type of Heating System
- Some water heaters can be powered through the heating system you use, like the indirect water heater option. If you have forced hot water through your home with radiators or baseboard, this could be an option. If you have forced hot air through a furnace or another style of heating system, the indirect water heater would not be an option.
So… Which Water Heater is Best?
There are a few different types of water heaters, and each has its own benefits:
40-Gallon Water Heater
- Standard
- May suffice for small households
- Provides enough hot water for daily showers and basic needs
- More affordable upfront cost, but may have higher energy consumption over time
80-Gallon Water Heater
- Ideal for medium to large families
- Suitable for homes with high water demand
- Provides a longer supply of hot water but requires more space
- Double the amount of hot water ready to go over a 40-gallon option!
Lifetime Indirect Water Heater
- Works together with a boiler or a forced hot water heating system
- Energy-efficient and designed to last longer than standard water heaters
- Best for homes with existing boiler systems looking for high efficiency
- Yes lifetime…. Meaning some manufacturers can literally guarantee it for life
Tankless Water Heater
- Provides unlimited hot water on demand. Think about it: if there is no tank and the water heats AS it goes through the tankless water heater, it can keep providing hot water shower after shower after shower. Watch this 128 customer’s review on their installation!
- Energy-efficient, as it only heats water when needed
- Compact design saves space, but installation costs can be higher
- It hangs right on the wall. Get more use of the floor space, or if you’re in, say, Boston and don’t really have much space to spare… these might fit just perfectly.
- Condo owners, Apartment building owners, and more are choosing tankless systems because of their reduced space-saving and can even fit right in a closet.
- Because there is no tank…. There is no chance of a flood! If you’ve come home to a flooded basement before, you get this benefit.
How to Choose the Best Water Heater for Your Home
Water heaters typically have a 6-10 year warranty for traditional models, while tankless options can last longer with proper maintenance. The best option for your home depends on your household size, water usage, and budget. If you’re looking for a long-lasting unit, indirect and tankless water heaters offer excellent durability. Determining the right size is important! Smaller households can get by with a 40-gallon tank, while larger families that have had water go cold during a shower before may need 80 gallons or more. Energy efficiency is another key factor, with tankless and indirect models providing the best long-term savings. Check out our water heater page for more information!
Let 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric Help!
If you’re unsure which water heater is right for your home, our team at 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric would love to help! We have been installing water heaters since the early 90s, so we’ve seen it all and help homeowners across Massachusetts depending on their needs. Our plumbing team offers professional installation and expert advice to ensure you get the perfect water heater for your needs. We can help evaluate and advise on which water heater is right for your home, and can even provide financing options too if that is an interest. Give us a call at 888-CALL-128 to book an installation consultation today! Stay up to date with our team by following us on social media.
