All major home appliances eventually wear out or break down.  With a lifespan of approximately 8-12 years, your water heater could be the next appliance you replace. How old is your water heater?

If you’re feeling like you don’t have enough information to make a wise buying decision, you’re in the right place.

Today’s post covers the basics. By the time you finish reading it, you’ll know how to choose water heaters, especially when you have multiple options. It’s worthwhile to take a minute to explore buying one of the most essential appliances in your home.

What Are Your Options for Water Heaters?

Before you shop, it's helpful to know what types of water heaters are available. Here are the three most commonly found in Florida homes:

• Conventional storage
• Tankless
• Heat pump

For homeowners interested in harnessing the power of the sun, a solar water heater may also be an option.

Water Heater Features You Should Know About

When you begin researching water heaters, you'll find an array of features. Some will be must-haves for your unique situation. Others may sound enticing but may not be necessary.

Check out the basic features of conventional, tankless, and heat pump water heaters:

Conventional storage tank

• Powered by electricity, gas, or propane
• Lowest installation cost
• Economical to maintain and repair

Tankless

• Electric or gas-powered
• Instant hot water
• Energy efficient
• Minimal footprint

Heat pump

• Work well in Florida's climate
• High-efficiency rating

All three types of water heaters featured in this post have pros and cons.

Storage tank models may have a lower upfront cost but aren't as energy efficient as tankless and heat pump units. Tankless units cost more but have a longer lifespan (20-30 years). Heat pump water heaters are the most energy-efficient of the three, but they tend to take up a significant amount of space.

Your water heater provider can go over the features of each and help you determine which type will work best in your home.

How to Choose Water Heaters the Easy Way

One of the first things to consider when preparing to buy a water heater is your water heater budget. It's suggested that homeowners tuck away at least 1% of their home's value to cover home maintenance projects. While it's not a perfect formula, so far, the personal finance experts haven't come up with an ideal way to calculate a budget.

Once you determine how much you can spend on a new water heater, it's time to find out what other homeowners say. Reading online customer reviews is one of the best tools you can use.

There is a caveat.

Don't rely on only review. You may be reading a review written by someone who made an installation error. Let your final decision be made after talking with a qualified water heater provider.

Need Help Choosing Your New Water Heater?

Now that you've explored the different types of water heaters and their features, set your budget and done your due diligence, you're ready to take the next step.

Powerhouse Home Services can help. Reach out today and schedule an appointment. Our team specializes in assisting home and business owners choose water heaters.