Water Heater Installations Buying Guide - Constellation Home

Selecting the best water heater for your home depends on the size of the tank and hot water demands of your family. Water heaters last for 8 to 15 years on average, so consider your family’s future needs when making a purchase decision. The chart below provides a guide that matches household size and hot water demand with recommended water heater capacity options.

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Electric

High

75 Gallon

120 Gallon

High

50 or 75 Gallon

80 Gallon

High

40 Gallon

50 Gallon

*Regular Demand includes a home with a washer and dishwasher. High Demand includes a home with teenagers, whirlpool tubs, spas, oversized baths, etc.

What to Know About Hot Water Heaters

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a water heater. The points below can help guide your final buying decision.

Type: There are many types of water heaters available. Depending on your home, you’ll either need a gas, propane, electric or oil water heater. If you’re looking to maximize your home’s energy-efficiency, a heat pump or gas tankless water heater may be a good solution.

Size: To make sure your water heater is large enough to meet your hot water requirements, consider your family’s current and future hot water needs, as well as any space constraints around your existing water heater.

Recovery Rate: The recovery rate measures the amount of water that can be heated by the water heater in one hour. Electric water heaters with higher tank capacities generally have low recovery rates compared to smaller tanks, since there is more water to heat. Conversely, gas water heaters usually have smaller tank capacities because of their ability to heat water faster.

Tank Space Dimensions: Before you start looking for water heaters, it’s important to know how big your equipment can be. A good rule of thumb is to measure the dimensions of your current equipment. If there’s room around it, your new water heater can be as big, or bigger than, your current water heater.

Warranty: Buying a water heater with a manufacturer’s warranty is important because sometimes even the best equipment can breakdown. Most equipment comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that provides parts and labor coverage.

Accessories: Accessories like circulator pumps and timers, drip pans, and expansion tanks can enhance comfort.

Equipment Comfort and Efficiency

Don’t wait until your water heater fails before thinking about purchasing a new one. The average life expectancy of a water heater is between eight and 15 years. If yours is older, a new energy efficient water heater can help to reduce your home energy usage. Consider the following benefits of a water heater upgrade:

• Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home.
• Energy efficient water heaters can use between 10%-50% less energy than standard models.
• An old water heater can operate for years at very low efficiency.

With a new water heater from Constellation, you can have dependable hot water and avoid a flooded basement. Plus, the money you save on energy can help pay for the cost of a new water heater.

Selecting a Contractor

To make sure you get your new water heater installed correctly, we’ve compiled a checklist that you can use during your contractor search. It’s important to remember that your equipment is only as good as the contractor that installs it.

• Check Credentials. Learn what previous customers have to say by asking friends, family and neighbors if they’ve used the contractor before.
• Check Local and State Licenses. Ask to see applicable licenses, insurance forms for liability and workmen’s compensation.
• Qualified Technicians and Installers. Ask how employees are screened, trained and certified.
• Warranties and Maintenance Agreements. Find out if manufacturer warranties and service agreements are available to ensure your water heater maintains optimum efficiency and performance.
• Sales, Service and Installation. Make sure the company provides repairs and emergency service on the equipment they install.
• Ask Questions. Don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision. A new water heater is a significant investment for your home. Ask about the installation process, permits, warranties, financing options, and the pros and cons of your options.

To learn more about what kind of water heater is best for you, contact us today.

Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters are the most common type and require a dedicated 240-volt connection. They use one or two replaceable heating elements to warm the water and are available in energy-efficient models ranging from 28 to over 100 gallons. Key benefits include lower upfront costs, straightforward installation, and safe operation. However, they tend to have slower heating times than gas models, are affected by power outages, and generally come with higher ongoing energy costs.

Gas or Propane Water Heaters

Gas water heaters use a burner to heat the water and are available in sizes ranging from 30 to 100 gallons, making them suitable for various household needs. While they offer efficient heating, there are a few drawbacks to consider. They require adequate ventilation and must be installed with enough clearance from combustible materials. Additionally, gas models tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to electric units.

Heat Pump or Hybrid Water Heaters

Similar to electric water heaters, heat pumps or hybrid models require a dedicated 240-volt connection for safe operation. These units draw heat from the surrounding air to warm the water, making them significantly more energy-efficient than traditional types. They can be installed as standalone units or added to existing tanks and typically come in sizes ranging from 50 to 80 gallons. However, their larger size may not be ideal for smaller spaces without special installation adjustments. Additionally, they tend to have a higher upfront cost, although they offer long-term energy savings.

Storage Tank Water Heaters

Storage tank water heaters are the most common type and are available in electric, natural gas, and liquid propane models. These units feature insulated tanks that heat and store water until it's needed. To compare energy efficiency and estimated annual operating costs, check the product label in-store or review the online description. These water heaters offer several advantages, including a range of sizes to fit both tall and compact spaces. Electric models perform efficiently in all climates, and because these units are widely used, repairs and replacements tend to be more affordable. Gas and propane versions also provide the added benefit of continuing to operate during power outages.

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Tankless or On-Demand Heaters

Tankless, or on-demand, water heaters don’t store hot water. Instead, they heat water as it flows through the unit's coils. Since they only heat water when it's needed, these units are generally more energy-efficient than traditional storage tank heaters, as they don't need to keep unused water hot. However, tankless units have a limited flow rate, typically providing up to 7.5 gallons of hot water per minute. This makes them a phenomenal option for households that don't require hot water in more than two places at once.



Other advantages of tankless water heaters include their compact, space-saving design, which frees up storage space, and the fact that they eliminate the risk of leaks or burst tanks since they don’t store water. On the downside, tankless units are usually more expensive than conventional models, and you may need additional units to ensure a steady supply of hot water for multiple appliances at once.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Electric tankless water heaters offer hot water on demand without the need for the space that a traditional storage tank model requires. They typically have longer lifespans and require less maintenance than standard electric water heaters. While the upfront cost is higher, the energy savings over time can be significant for many households. Unlike tank-style heaters, electric tankless units have different sizing and electrical requirements. It’s crucial to ensure these units are properly sized and that the electrical system meets the heater's specific needs.

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Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters

If your home uses natural gas, upgrading from an old gas tank water heater to a natural gas tankless model could be the best option for both comfort and value. These compact units are roughly the size of a small suitcase and can be installed either indoors or outdoors. They're highly efficient and built to last. However, it's best to have a professional handle the installation of a natural gas tankless water heater for safety and proper setup.

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Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Similar to natural gas models, liquid propane tankless water heaters can use existing gas lines to provide a space-saving hot water solution. Propane offers a higher BTU output per dollar than electricity, allowing propane tankless heaters to deliver double the hot water capacity of an electric model. Most propane units can support two to three appliances at once, ensuring that your dishwasher, washing machine, and shower all have enough hot water to operate efficiently. Because of safety considerations, these units generally require professional installation.

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Point-of-Use or Utility Water Heaters

Small storage tank water heaters, also called point-of-use (POU) or utility water heaters, are ideal for providing hot water to outbuildings, shops, or garages. These units typically range in size from 2.5 to 19 gallons. The largest models can also be used to supply hot water to secondary bathrooms that are located far from your home's main water heater.

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Water Heaters for Mobile Homes

Mobile homes require a specific type of water heater that meets Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards. Both gas and electric models are available for mobile homes, but if you choose a gas model, ensure it's compatible with either propane or natural gas and suitable for inside or outside access to your home. If the unit is enclosed with no outside access, you may need to opt for a sealed combustion gas water heater. For units with outside access, a standard gas water heater should generally suffice. Be sure to measure carefully before installation, accounting for the smaller door openings in mobile homes to ensure proper fit.



Commercial Water Heaters

Businesses that require a large volume of hot water, such as restaurants, hotels, or laundromats, need a commercial water heater. These units can either be tankless or include a storage tank, depending on the business's hot water needs. Most commercial water heaters are gas-powered, as they offer faster recovery times compared to electric models.

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Expansion Tanks

Expansion tanks are designed to hold extra water produced by the heater when heating cold water in the main tank. These accessories are connected to your standard water heater tank through your plumbing system.

Water Heater Timers

Reduce energy consumption and save money by using your water heater only when necessary. You can install a water heater timer into the unit's electrical supply, allowing you to set specific times for the heater to draw electricity.

Water Leak Detectors and Alarms

Water leak detectors are placed on the floor or in the pan next to the water heater, where they detect any leaks or overflows and sound an audible alarm to notify the homeowner of the issue. Some models are Wi-Fi-enabled and can send alerts directly to your smartphone.

Water Heater Insulation Blankets

These blankets are designed to cover the water heater and enhance its insulation. Insulating blankets are especially useful for heaters located in garages or other unheated areas.

Water Heater Pans

These pans are placed beneath the water heater to catch any water from leaks or overflows caused by excess pressure in the tank. The pan includes a side opening for a drain hose to carry the overflow water away.

Water Heater Stands

Water heater stands elevate gas units off the ground, helping to reduce the risk of fire if flammable liquids are spilled nearby. If you're replacing an old water heater and adding a stand to the new one, it will impact the measurements, plumbing, and venting. Unless you have advanced plumbing experience, it's best to hire a professional for installation. In some cases, building codes require water heaters to be mounted on stands, especially in garage installations.