Water heaters are an essential part of any household. You need hot water for a hot shower, to clean out your pots and pans, and even for washing your clothes. A water heater makes it possible to get clean and hot water conveniently without any hassles. However, choosing one for your home is not an easy task. You need to decide on the type of water heater you want, the cost, and so much more.

Cost and types of water heaters
There are multiple types of water heaters available in the market. On average, the cost of a water heater can be anywhere between $800 and $3000 with an average price of approximately $1200. This is including the price of a water heater as well as labor costs involved in the installation process. The cost can also vary based on the type of water heater as well as the location of the installation, among other contributing factors.

There are two main types of water heater systems – tank and tankless. A tank-style water heater allows you to store around 30 to 80 gallons of water and may cost around $650 to $2100. They run on electricity and can last around 12 years. Tankless water heater systems do not have any storage and simply heat the water as it flows. They are highly efficient and cost between $1000 and $3500. They are also powered by electricity and can last 20 years.

Features of a water heater system
Buying a water heater is not something that you do very often. But, when it is time to look for one, it is important ensure that it is equipped with the following essential features.

Fuel
Most water heaters run on gas or electricity. If you’re opting for a gas water heater system, you need to confirm the type of gas that it is using. Gas heaters are generally quite expensive at the time of installation. But, they usually make up for this as the cost of gas used to heat the water is a lot less compared to electric models.

Efficiency
Another feature to keep in mind when choosing a heater is efficiency. Heaters, in general, are some of the greatest energy consumers in a household. So, to keep your bills to a minimum and not worry about using your water heater, try choosing one that is highly energy efficient.

Storage capacity
If you’re opting for a tank water heater, you may also want to check out the storage capacity that it offers. Keep the usage in mind when making this decision. Also, note that tank water heaters are rated based on the number of gallons that they hold.

Tips to choose the right water heater
Before you get down to buying the right water heater for your home, there are certain factors to keep in mind. The first thing that you need to do is understand your budget.
There are a number of water heater systems in the market and each has different features, and of course, different price ranges.
Once you set your budget, then you can check for fuel type and availability of your heater systems.
Don’t forget to decide on the size of the water heater as well. Most heater systems are quite large and can take up a lot of space. If the size is an issue, you can always opt for small water heater systems or tankless water heater systems.
Once you’ve decided on these factors, you can take some time to understand the different types and brands of water heaters that are available on the market before making your final decision. You may check out some of the top brands for water heaters, such as Navien, Rinnai, Rheem, Kenmore, Bradford White, and even Bosch.