Water Heater Buying Guide
You probably don't think about your water heater until a cold shower or a telltale puddle suggests you need a new one. How
to choose? Most look alike on the outside. But a look inside tells a different story. Storage tanks cost less but tankless
heaters save energy by only heating the water you draw.
- Getting started
- Types
- Features
- Brands
Features
Our tests simulated daily use of 76 to 78 gallons of hot water. That's the equivalent of taking three showers, washing one laundry load, running the dishwasher once (six cycles), and turning on the faucet nine times, for a total of 19 draws. Here are the water-heater features to consider.
Heating elements | Dual anodes | Anti-scale devices | Brass vs. plastic drain valves | Glass-lined tanks
Heating elements
Dual anodes
Buying a model with an extra anode can reduce corrosion and extend the life of your tank. While anodes can be replaced if there’s enough clearance above the tank to remove them, you’ll need to hire a plumber unless you’re handy.Anti-scale devices
Some brands—notably, Kenmore, State Industries, and Rheem—advertise features that are supposed to reduce buildup of mineral scale at the bottom of the tank by swirling the water. While scale can shorten the life of the heating element inside an electric water heater, you don‘t need to invest in fancy features to get a long-lived model. Simply look for a heater with a 12-year warranty, which typically includes a longer or thicker element.Brass vs. plastic drain valves
Glass-lined tanks
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