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How to Choose A Water Heater

Water heater technology has undergone numerous advancements in the past decade, enhancing efficiency and performance.

May 05, 2026
How to Choose A Water Heater

Water heater technology has undergone numerous advancements in the past decade, enhancing efficiency and performance. According to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 2015, maintaining high-efficiency units for various residential tank types like gas, electric, tankless, and oil water heaters can save thousands of dollars in the long run. Aside from efficiency, several other factors to consider, like fuel type, size of the unit, heating method, upfront cost, and maintenance complexity. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we aim to help you cut through the clutter by providing you with essential questions to help guide your decision.

Water Heater Types: Which is Right for You?

Water heater technology offers customers a range of options to meet their specifications and needs. The most common type is conventional water heaters, which keep a hot water reservoir on standby. While these units allow for instant hot water on demand, it is bound to lose heat if nobody is using the water, adding to the utility bill due to constant reheating.

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

How to Choose A Water Heater

Tankless water heaters have gained traction because they provide heat water on demand without the need for a reservoir. This alleviates the inconvenience of standby heat loss, saving energy and the cost of utility bills. However, households with a high demand for hot water can overwhelm the system, so we recommend targeting use points to solve this problem.

What Fuel is Right for You?

The type of fuel used to heat water is limited to the unit available, but there are still several options suited for various household needs. Homeowners need to consider some of the factors when looking for the ideal unit, electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, solar energy, propane, and even geothermal energy. As the cost of fuel is predicted to go higher, finding a water heater that’s highly efficient and matches the needs of your household can be incredibly valuable. Hiring a plumber for water heater installation can help you make an informed decision without compromising your water heater fuel choice efficiency.

What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

The appropriate water heater size for your home depends on the size of your home and the type of unit that supports your hot water needs. While storage is a vital consideration, you need to check for the first-hour rating (FHR), which gives the amount of water it can deliver during a busy hour. The most effective way of determining if a unit’s FHR is sufficient for your household is to take the total number of people and add one, then allot twelve gallons for each to find out the minimum FHR. Most units have the FHR listed on the yellow energy guide, helping you determine if a particular unit size is ideal for your house.

How Do I Choose the Most Efficient Water Heater?

Once you have established your water heater’s FHR, seek out the highest energy factor (EF) rating without breaking the bank. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we can do all the heavy lifting and calculations necessary to ensure you have the most efficient unit. Contact us today and schedule an appointment with the experts. We guarantee exceptional water heater installation and maintenance at a competitive price.

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