There is a lot more to finding the perfect water heater for your home than just going with the cheapest option. In fact, choosing the cheapest option will probably cost you more money in the long-run.
Homeowners need to consider energy efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance to make a smart water heater investment.
Why Choosing the Right Water Heater is Essential
When choosing a new water heater, having consistent hot water is every homeowner’s goal. Unfortunately, not all water heaters will deliver those results.
With the right care, the top water heater brands generally last longer and have fewer unexpected repairs.
As an added bonus, a high-quality water heater will come with increased energy efficiency and a great warranty. So, with the right water heater brand in your home, you’ll have dependable hot water, lower utility bills and the peace of mind that you made the right choice.
Here are 5 key features to look for when choosing the best brand of water heater for your home and the three water heater brands we recommend most.
5 Key Features to Look For in a Water Heater
When selecting a water heater, there are a few important factors to consider:
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Energy Efficiency
Water heaters with high energy efficiency ratings will help you save money on your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. As you shop around, you will want to look at not only the best water heater brands for energy efficiency but also the best model.
Most of us are already familiar with traditional tank water heaters. They are usually powered by natural gas or electricity and store a large amount of hot water in a tank. They have the lowest upfront cost but are not always the most energy-efficient option long-term.
Many homeowners aren’t aware that there are several other types of water heaters that could save them more money on their energy bill each month. If you are already in the market for a new water heater, it’s the perfect time to think about making the switch.
Top 2 Energy Efficient Models
Tankless water heaters save space because they don’t store water in a big bulky tank. Instead, they heat water on demand. Tankless models are ideal for homes with limited space looking to save on their energy bills.
Heat pump water heaters, also known as hybrid water heaters, use a heat pump to move heat from the air into the unit. Since they need less electricity to heat your water, a heat pump water heater can greatly reduce your home’s energy consumption.
These units do require more space and have a higher upfront cost to install. To make heat pump water heater installation more accessible to consumers, many states and municipalities offer rebates and tax credits for some of the initial costs.
If you want to save even more money on your utility bill, talk to a water heater expert about the possibility of switching to one of these two highly energy-efficient water heater options.
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Capacity
The second element to look at is the capacity of the water heater. The size of the storage tank or unit determines how much hot water it can produce. You’ll want to consider the size of your household and how much hot water you generally use to select the right size water heater.
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Key Features
Not all water heaters are the same. For example, there are different types of water heater linings. Some units include anti-scale devices, to help prevent build up and corrosion. Others have digital displays to tell you the water temperature or remind you of maintenance needs.
Although these aren’t key factors for getting your water hot, they are nice additions. If you are already buying a new appliance, you might as well select one that does the things you want.
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Warranty
Warranty coverage varies greatly across water heater brands so you’ll want to pay close attention to each brand’s warranty policy. A good warranty usually indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
Look for water heaters with comprehensive warranties that you can actually understand. If you aren’t sure what you are getting into, ask a professional to explain the warranty before you commit to the purchase.
New water heaters are a big expense. You want to make sure yours is protected.
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Installation and Maintenance
Although most homeowners rely on a water heater professional for maintenance and installation, you’ll want to look over the required maintenance for your new water heater to make sure it sounds manageable to you.
If you are switching to a new type of water heater (like a tankless unit or a hybrid water heater) you will also want to be aware of any extra installation costs upfront. Learning you need to install a new gas line or update your electrical systems would not be pleasant mid-project surprises.
Popular Water Heater Brands
Now that you know what to look for in a new water heater, here are a few of the most popular water heater brands in the American market.
Bradford White
Bradford White has been in the water industry for more than 140 years. They are known for quality products and reliable performance. They offer tank water heaters, heat pump, and tankless units. Their products are also made and manufactured within the United States.
Bradford White has a robust factory warranty as well as an upgraded warranty option that lasts 2-4 years longer than the factory warranty.
Rheem
Rheem specializes in water heaters that are both sustainable and efficient. They offer all four water heater options listed above (tank, tankless, heat pump and solar). They also provide the option to add water heater boosters and mobile leak alerts to increase the efficiency of your unit. Rheem has a comprehensive warranty for their water heaters and an easy-to-use online portal to check the status of your warranty.
American Standard
American Standard has a full line of high-quality water heaters that have thicker gauge glass-lined tanks than most other options. They offer up to a 12 year warranty on select residential products, which is truly one of the best warranty offers in the business.
AO Smith
AO Smith is known for innovation. They actually created the very first glass-lined water heater back in 1936. Currently, they offer a full line of high-efficiency water heater options. Their warranties range from 3-5 years, depending on the on the water heater unit.
Rinnai
Rinnai specializes in tankless water heaters. They offer a range of models so that anyone can find a tankless water heater to meet their household needs. Most of their units have Wi-Fi connectivity and remote monitoring so that you can control your water heater even when you’re away.
Rinnai has a limited warranty that only applies to units installed by a trained professional.
The Three Brands We Recommend
These are the three water heater brands ranked in the order of our preference:
- American Standard
- Bradford White
- Rheem
Choose the Right Water Heater Brand
Investing in a high-quality water heater is essential. Not just because we all want worry-free hot water in our homes but also for the sake of energy efficiency and long-term savings.
As California’s Tri-Valley water heater experts since 2005, we here at Barnett Water Heaters know a thing or two about water heater brands.
If you are overwhelmed by trying to decide which particular brand or model to purchase for your new water heater, give us a call at (925) 492-7672. One of our water heater experts will help you find the perfect match for your water heating needs.
We will never sell you a water heater you don’t want or need. When you call or schedule an on-site estimate — whether for a repair or a replacement — there will be no pressure and no obligations, just unbiased advice you can trust.
So call (925) 492-7672 to get the guidance you need and the water heater you want.
