What size water heater do I need?
Water heating accounts for about 15 percent of your home's energy use so, when replacing your water heater, it's important to choose an efficient model. Operating costs with gas are typically about 50 percent lower than with electric; savings will vary depending on fuel costs and unit efficiency.
You can judge the efficiency of a model by its efficiency rate. Usually natural gas water heaters have an energy factor between .48EF and .56EF*, with the highest ratings going above .62EF up to .65EF. The higher the number, the higher the efficiency and the lower the operating costs. Where energy conservation and environmental issues are a primary concern, clean-burning natural gas water heaters are the best way to heat water.
Check the Energy Guide label for an estimate of the water heater's annual operating cost; it will help you compare the annual cost of energy efficient gas water heaters include improved insulation, a more efficient burner system, refined flue baffles and more efficient heat transfer.
A properly sized water heater will deliver the hot water you want when you need it. View our water heater selection guidelines to determine the appropriate size water heater for your home.
* EF, Energy Factor, is the ratio of annual useful energy in the heated water to the annual water heater energy consumption, i.e. the energy going into the water heater.
