1) SIZE OF WATER HEATER - One of the most important factors in choosing a hot water heater is that it meets the needs of your household. Water heaters are measured in gallons and if the last one in the shower is getting a cold shower, you may need to investigate upgrading the size of your water heater. Although showers are one of the largest draws on a hot water heater at up to 20 gallons per shower, there are other things to consider as well. A dishwasher can use 7 gallons of water, a clothes washer can use anywhere between 7 to19 gallons per load depending on the washer's efficiency, meal preparation can use about a gallon. First determine what time of day has the highest hot water use, then calculate the gallons of water used during that high peak time. However, if you live alone in a small or medium sized home a 40-gallon tank should be sufficient.

2) WATER HEATER TYPES - Water heater types are broken down in two ways, first, there is the traditional tank water heater and the newer tankless systems and secondly there is the fuel source to consider. You may have a water heater that runs on electricity or one that runs on natural gas. A traditional water heater stores water in the tank that is warmed up when you turn on the tap. With a tankless system your water is heated up as it travels through the pipe by a gas burner or electric heating element. The advantage of the tankless system is hot water on demand.

3) ENERGY EFFICIENCY - The Department of Energy developed a national rating system called Uniform Energy Factor UEF. The higher the UEF rating, the more energy efficient a hot water heater is. Although these higher rated systems initially cost more money they will save you money in the long run.

4) SPACE NEEDED - If you are simply replacing an old water heater you can go ahead and use the same type and size of unit you had before, however, if you are upgrading to a larger unit or changing to a different type of unit, you will have to make sure that you have enough space to accommodate the newer unit. Although a tankless water heater does not require much space, you may need to have a natural gas line installed.

Once you have chosen the right water heater for your home, it is important to keep the unit maintained to have it last as long as possible. It is a good idea for all homeowners to drain their water tank regularly, however it is particularly important if you live in an area where the water is hard. You should also have your anode rod replaced periodically, this component is designed to help prevent rust and corrosion. For all your hot water heater installation and maintenance needs: Call - AUBURN HEATING PLUMBING AND AIR CONDITIONING - 440-543-1777 or toll free at 1-888-543-HEAT (4328) serving Chagrin Falls, Macedonia & Mayfield Heights, Ohio