If your water heater is more than 10 years old, if you start running out of hot water, or your energy costs for heating go up, then you should consider replacing your water heater. You should also consider replacement if it produces reddish water (rust), noises (from corrosion), leaks, or requires frequent repairs.

One major step in replacing a water heater is determining what capacity you need. The  best way to do that is to calculate your household’s water usage at its peak hour. This lets you compare each water heater’s first-hour rating (FHR), which is the total gallons it can produce in an hour when starting with a full tank. The first-hour rating is on each water heater’s EnergyGuide label.

Another step is determining how much space is available. Newer, more energy efficient models may have more insulation or be different dimensions than your current water heater. 

The experts at Freedom Plumbing and Drain Services can help you determine the best water heater for your household and the space you have.