Choosing the perfect water heater for your remodel may not rank as one of your most exciting purchases but, it will prove to be one of the most important decisions you make. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 20% of a household’s annual energy expenditures come from heating hot water. That makes it the second largest utility expense in the home, averaging around $400 to $600 per year. If you are looking to install a new hot water heater—or replace an existing one—the type, size and efficiency of the unit you choose will have a big impact on its performance and your long-term savings.
Choose the perfect water heater with these tips:
Find your water heating fuel type: It is typically easiest and most cost effective to replace your current water heater with a water heater that uses the same fuel. With that being said, it is possible to change your water heater fuel source. Our lake house fixer upper was all electric so we chose to replace the existing water heater with another electric unit.
Consider available water heater types: There are a number of different types of water heaters to consider from heat pumps to solar-powered units, but the most common are tank and tankless. Traditional, tank-style water heaters are large metal cylinders that keep hot water stored and on reserve for when it may be needed. A tankless unit only heats the water when you need it.
We opted for a traditional tank-style unit but with a twist. The Rheem Performance Platinum water heater has the EcoNet feature which allows us to conveniently control the water heater, receive diagnostic and leak-detection alerts and save energy from anywhere with WiFi connectivity…its the best of both worlds.
The PERFORMANCE PLATINUM™ High Efficiency electric water heater, sold at The Home Depot, had all of the features we were looking for:
- High efficiency rating of .95
- Wi-Fi capability
- Leak protection with audible alarm
- Self-cleaning
- Exceptional reviews
- Great warranty
Because our lake house fixer upper was designed with entertaining in mind, we opted for 2 hot water heaters to handle the hot water demands associated with many guests.
You can see a full list of features for this model here.
I recently met with Kevin Goad, a certified Rheem installer to walk through the system. Here is video from that meeting:
I was very fortunate to partner with Rheem on this project but please be rest assured in knowing that I only recommend products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. This is a sponsored post but, as always, my opinions are 100% my own.
Click here to see the other Rheem products I chose for my remodel.
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My brother recently purchased an older home with his wife. He has noticed that the hot water heater isn’t warming the water enough, so he’s looking at replacement options. I didn’t realize how important it is to determine what your heating fuel type is to ensure they unit is compatible. I’ll be sure to share this info with my brother.
I am glad this post was helpful!
Thanks for the advice about choosing a new water heater that uses the same fuel as your old one in order to save money. I’ve noticed that it takes a long time for the water in the shower to heat up, and I’m thinking of having a new one installed. I’ll probably consult a professional about which ones are compatible with the fuel I have so they can install it for me.
Perfect. You won’t be disappointed with this water heater.