When it comes to household appliances, the hot water tank is one of those essential products that you can’t really go without. From making enough hot water for your daily needs to using less energy, hot water tanks have evolved over time to help you improve your home’s water supply and make it more efficient. There are many different types and brands of hot water tanks available nowadays, making the task of choosing one not only tricky but also full of pitfalls. To help you make an informed decision when purchasing a tank, here is a list of common mistakes people make when choosing a hot water tank.

Not considering your home’s layout

One of the most important considerations when purchasing a hot water tank is the size and layout of your home. While you can purchase a smaller or less powerful tank if you live in a smaller home, a larger tank is almost always better suited for larger homes. Depending on the size of the tank you choose, you can expect to see savings in your energy bills as well as in the amount of time it takes for your water to reach the desired temperature.There are other factors related to your home’s layout that you should also keep in mind when purchasing a tank. If you live in a home with a long plumbing run or a kitchen that’s on the other side of your home’s living space, a tank with an increased water capacity can help you avoid cold water runs. You can also choose a tank with a higher-capacity spigot if you have a large family and plan to use the water for multiple purposes.

Not considering your water usage

Another important factor to keep in mind when purchasing a hot water tank is your water usage. The amount of hot water you use and the types of appliances you use water in can have a significant impact on the size of tank you need. If you live in a home that has been retrofitted for energy-efficiency, you might find that you actually require less hot water than before.If you’re renting a home and can’t make any design changes, it might be best to buy a tank that’s slightly smaller than what your home requires to avoid future water damage. Also, note that certain types of water softeners require less hot water than others.

Choosing the wrong size tank

As mentioned earlier, the size of your hot water tank can have a significant impact on your home’s energy bills and the amount of time it takes for hot water to reach the desired temperature. A very important factor to consider when purchasing a tank is the flow rate of the water. If you’re in the market for a high-capacity tank, it’s important to note that some very large-volume tanks require a booster pump to provide enough pressure for your water fixtures. A good rule of thumb when choosing a high-capacity tank is to purchase one that’s one-third larger than your current hot water tank.

Forgetting to use the right temperature setting

When you initially install a new tank, you’ll most likely have to adjust the temperature setting. It’s important to use the correct temperature setting to prevent your home from losing money and wasting energy. When it comes to setting the temperature, there are two things to keep in mind. First, you should set the thermostat to a temperature that’s safe for both you and your family. While you can set the temperature higher to save energy, doing so can increase your risk of scalding. Second, you should also adjust the temperature based on the number of people in your home and the appliances you use water in.

Choosing the wrong type of tank

When purchasing a new hot water tank, you can choose between two main types of tanks: an electric tank and an electric hybrid tank. While an electric tank has the potential to save you money in the long run, a hybrid tank is better suited for homes with old or faulty electrical systems.An electric hybrid tank is a combination of an electric and a gas-powered hot water tank. The main advantage of an electric hybrid tank is that it allows you to use your gas appliances without running out of hot water.Another important thing to consider when purchasing a hot water tank is the efficiency rating. A higher efficiency rating means that the tank will use less energy and last longer. It’s best to purchase a tank with an A or B efficiency rating if you live in an area that has consistent water supply.

Conclusion

The hot water tank is one of the most important appliances in your home. It’s responsible for providing you with hot water and making sure that your home is safe. When it comes to purchasing a hot water tank, you need to keep in mind a few important factors. First, you should choose a tank that meets your home’s requirements. Second, you should choose a tank with the highest efficiency rating. Finally, you should choose a tank that’s affordable enough for your budget.The hot water tank is an essential part of any home, so it’s important to make sure you choose the right one for your needs.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon hot water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)