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A water heater is one of the heaviest hitters in your home, and it needs as much power as possible to help it run efficiently and effectively.

Your water heater should be on its own dedicated circuit breaker, with no other power sources running to it. This is required to meet the National Electric Code–and to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.

Traditional gas or electric water heaters last an average of six to 11 years. However, with excellent maintenance, they can last up to 15 years. Heat pump water heaters, on the other hand, last an average of between 12 and 15 years and potentially longer with proper maintenance. In both cases, your home's water quality can be a determining factor regarding the lifespan of your water heater.

Price variations arise from size, type (tankless or tank), efficiency grades, and installation complexity, including labor and materials.

No, boilers and water heaters are not interchangeable because they serve different primary functions. Boilers are used for central heating systems, providing hot water or steam to heat your home. In contrast, a water heater's purpose is to supply hot water for daily household use, such as for faucets and showers. A water heater alone cannot supply the warm water or steam needed for a central heating system.

While they are not interchangeable, it is common to have both a boiler and a water heater. In fact, a conventional boiler often works best when a water heater system is already in place. The two systems can be combined to provide both heating and hot water, either by pairing a boiler with an indirect water heater or by installing a premade combination boiler-water heater unit. For home heating, some homeowners may also opt for a furnace instead of a boiler.