Many American households delay replacing their water heating system until their current one fails. However, this is not a good strategy because the failure can happen at a time when you least expect and when you have full house. It is because of such reasons that a majority of homeowners rush out and buy whatever water heating system they can find without looking at whether it fits their needs.

The best approach is to start with research as you explore the options available and their ups and downs. For instance, you may go for gas-powered or electric fired heaters with a built-in storage or demand system. Issues such as the size of your household can also affect your choice of a water heater.

If you can, it is recommended that you replace your existing water heating system before it fails. The lifespan of most water heaters ranges from 10 to 15 years. The closer you are to the 15^th year, the more you should be concerned about the replacement process. Below are some important pointers that will help you in deciding the water heating system to put your money down on.

Fuel Options

The type of fuel your water heater runs on is an important consideration. If you currently run an electric heater, it would be sensical to switch to natural gas if you have access to it. This will save you money. Another idea is to switch to propane or oil-fired water heaters because they cost less compared to electric models.

It also helps to check with your electricity company to see whether they offer off peak rates. If they do, it can be a game changer in terms of costs.

Efficiency

The efficiency of water heaters is measured by the energy factor. For instance, the minimum energy factor for a storage water heater with a tank size of 30 and running on gas is .63. The smaller the tank, the higher the efficiency rating and this is because of the smaller surface area that minimizes heat loss.

If you are shopping for the most efficient gas-fired storage water heaters, go for models that have energy factors ranging from 0.67 to 0.70.

Types of Water Heaters to Look Out For

The best water heating systems include:

• Heat Pump Water Heaters – These are efficient in operation and do not consume as much power.
• Hybrid Gas Water Heaters – These are mostly for residential use and they do not cost as much to run.
• Indirect Water Heaters – These heaters use the boiler as the heat source and have a heat exchanger in a separate insulated tank.

The ultimate choice will be based on your budget, but having an idea on what to look out for can inform you on the best way forward.