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The Best Water Heaters of 2022
It used to be that there weren’t many options when it came to purchasing a hot water heater. The only two choices were gas or electric. With the advent of new technologies, the hot water heater landscape has changed, with more options on the market than ever. In addition to gas and electric tank water heaters, buyers can also consider tankless and hybrid water heaters.
All these options might make you feel like you’re in deep water when it comes to making the right decision. Read on to learn about the factors to consider when choosing the best hot water heater for your home. We scoured the market and researched top-rated water heaters in a variety of categories. We did a deep dive into the specifications, features, and customer reviews to assemble this list of top picks.
Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gal. Water Heater
A.O. Smith Signature 50-Gallon Natural Gas Heater
Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai RU199iN Condensing Tankless Hot Water Heate
Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gal. 10-year Hybrid
A.O. Smith 40-Gallon Short Natural Gas Water Heater
How We Chose the Best Water Heaters
The right water heater can make bubble baths, showers, and common kitchen and bathroom tasks easier and more frequent without using ample energy. Selections for the best water heaters depended upon the water capacity, power output, ease of installation, type, and added special features included by some brands.
The featured list prioritizes variety by listing storage tank, tankless, and hybrid options for your needs. Each type provides either small or large hot water tanks, averaging at 40 to 50 gallons for households of 3-5 people. As for power output, most of these water heaters are energy efficient by offering a uniform energy factor of under 0.70. Though water-saving, all of these units have powerful BTUs or wattages to heat ample amounts of water quickly. The storage tank options average at 40,000 BTUs, while the tankless and hybrid options run at 4,500 watts.
As for durability, self-cleaning and diffuser systems remove sediment buildup and tank liners to reduce the likelihood of leaks. Since water heaters typically come in large sizes, installation of some of these models may require professional help. But, some of the smaller units that are lightweight and compact may be easy to install without help.
FAQs
An old hot water heater is like a ticking time bomb. It sits for many years in your basement or utility closet, dutifully providing your family with hot water until, without warning, it stops working, creating an unexpected inconvenience and expense. Although a broken water heater might feel as shocking as an ice-cold shower, there are a few warning signs to watch for.
How long does a hot water heater last?
On average, a gas, an electric, or a hybrid tank hot water heater will last between eight and 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last as many as 20 years.
What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?
There are telltale signs of a failing water heater, including banging noises inside the tank, a decline in water temperature, rust-colored water, and water pooling around the tank’s base.
Can you still shower if your water heater is leaking?
A leaking water heater will not prevent you from taking a warm shower. If the leak is bad enough that you need to shut off the water heater, you can still shower. You just won’t have any hot water.
Can a leaking water heater explode?
Though a rare occurrence, a water heater can indeed explode and in spectacular fashion. This occurs with gas or electric water heaters that have clogged or malfunctioning pressure relief valves. If too much pressure builds, the water heater will explode, literally launching the unit like a rocket.
