Natural Gas Water Heaters
Renting and Buying Tips

Many homeowners rent their natural gas water heaters while many purchase. It’s a personal choice. With renting you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are covered 24/7 if anything goes wrong with your water heater. You can change water heaters to accommodate a growing family or changing needs easily when you rent. Buying can have advantages as well, if you prefer not to make monthly payments.

Storage Water Heaters

The size of the water heater tank matters for maximizing efficiency and convenience
The most important decision to be made when it comes to your new natural gas water heater is the tank size. It is important to select the optimal size for your household needs to ensure sufficient hot water while maximizing efficiency. To do this you need to understand your family’s hot water usage patterns. Ask yourself these questions:

• Does your current water heater keep up to the hot water you require?

• How old are the children in your home? Teenagers tend to use more hot water.

• How many dishes and clothes are washed daily?

• How many bathrooms in your home?

• Do you use a dishwasher?

• Do you have a whirlpool bath?

Once you are aware of your family’s hot water usage habits a contractor can help you determine the right size tank for your home and you can refer to the chart below.

Tankless Water Heaters

Choosing a tankless water heater has unique considerations. Speak to a qualified dealer to help you fully evaluate your hot water needs and water flow requirements.

Considerations on switching water heaters

When it’s time to replace your water heater here are some important considerations:

• converting to a natural gas water heater in an electric or oil heated home can be done easily

• in an electric heated home, your best choice may be a direct or power vented natural gas water heater

• in an oil heated home, the existing chimney or vent may need to be resized and the liner changed to accommodate a natural gas water heater. A direct or power vent is also an option

• replacing an existing natural gas water heater with a newer natural gas model is also an easy choice but may require additional venting

Get a quote that’s right

Regardless of which type of water heater you choose you will want to compare installation and repair warranties as well as carefully comparing products. Choosing a qualified dealer who will take the time to evaluate your needs is the most important step in getting a water heater that will suit your needs and save energy.