Buying a Water Heater - Tips To Get You Started

Buying a water heater can be overwhelming for anyone who hasn't done so in some time. There are a thousand choices out there and it can be difficult to determine what the right choice would be. For many homeowners, the choice is simple: just buy the upgraded model of what you already had. But others want to go beyond this simplistic shopping method and see if there's something better out there. This is the smart way to go, as technology has probably come a long way since that old heater was installed. Here are some tips that will get you started on your shopping journey.

Can It Be Fixed?

Before you determine that you have to shell out the money for a new water heater, you might want to be sure that your old one can't be fixed for much less. Often, when homeowners are confronted with the failure of a major appliance, their first move is to go for replacement. If the appliance is of a certain age or you have the budget to easily afford a replacement, this isn't the worst move you can make. As stated, technology moves fast and there are probably much better versions out there you can install. If you are looking to save money, however, repair may be a viable alternative. Look into it before going further.

Warranties

This is one of the most important aspects of buying a new water heater. The better the service provider and the better the brand, the longer and more complete your warranty will probably be. Since replacing and repairing an appliance of this sort can be costly, it pays to know that you are covered if something should go wrong. Whenever you're close to coming to a decision about a particular model, make sure you look into how much coverage you're getting. Whether the warranty is through the company selling the piece or through the manufacturer, you want to look carefully at the restrictions and make sure you aren't going to be left out in the cold.

Size

Perhaps nothing will affect the price of your water heater more than the size and capacity. Not only will this affect how much you pay for the appliance, it will have a substantial impact on your electricity bill. Do some research on what the various hour ratings mean and how they correlate to your daily use of hot water. Paying for too much is a needless waste of money, but not having enough will quickly turn into an inconvenience you will regret for the life of your appliance. If necessary, talk to a professional and have him impart his recommendations.