Get matched with top water heater pros in Limestone, ME

If you want instant hot water and to reduce water waste while improving convenience, a hot water recirculating system is worth it, especially if you find your hot water heater is not hot enough. These systems can save thousands of gallons of water each year so you don't have to wait for hot water at faucets and showers. The upfront investment can be high, especially for systems requiring additional plumbing, but the long-term savings on water bills and added comfort make them a worthwhile upgrade.

Heat pump water heaters, also known as hybrid water heaters, are the most efficient types of water heaters—both in terms of carbon emission and energy efficiency. This type of water heater utilizes as little as half of the energy of a traditional water heater while releasing no direct emissions. Tankless water heaters are also extremely efficient, although slightly less so than hybrid heaters.

Choosing between an electric water heater vs. a gas water heater comes down to personal preference. Overall, electric heaters are more energy efficient than their gas competitors. They’re also quieter to operate, take up less room, and don’t come with a risk of gas leaks. 

The downside is that electric water heaters cost more to operate than gas. They might also struggle to heat water fast enough for households that use large amounts of hot water. Lastly, a power outage could cause your electric water heater to stop working, whereas gas water heaters may still function.

A tankless water heater with a flow rate of 10 GPM should replace a conventional 50-gallon water heater. To avoid a surprise cold shower or two and to keep your energy costs in check, it's important to replace a conventional tanked water heater with the equivalent tankless water heater. Your household size and the number of hot-water-using devices you use at once can help you determine the best-size tankless water heater.