A gas water heater is usually a good choice, especially if you already have gas hookups. Gas heaters are less expensive to operate, although they do cost more upfront than electric heaters. If you've decided to get a new gas heater, here are some things to look for.

The Dimensions

If you've had your old heater for years, a new heater might be a different size. Rather than go only by capacity in gallons when choosing a new gas water heater, be sure to measure the space you'll be placing the new tank in. If there is plenty of space available, this isn't as critical as it is if the old water heater is elevated or in a nook. The new heater may be larger and not fit, so measure the space and check the dimensions of the old heater to make sure it does.

The First-Hour Rating

When choosing a new gas water heater, you need to think about capacity in gallons. This can be determined by the number of people in your home and how your family uses hot water. However, you should also consider the first-hour rating of the heater. This lets you know if the heater will keep up with your peak demand.

If your family takes several showers in the morning, you'll want a water heater that can deliver enough hot water for the showers and heat up fast enough that you don't run out of hot water. You can find ratings on the water heater labels, but you can also ask a plumber for help in choosing the right size for your family.

Water Heater Accessories

A pan is a useful accessory for your water heater. Water heaters sometimes leak water from the pressure relief valve or when there is a leak around a rubber ring or the outlet valve. This water will drip on your floor if you don't have the tank sitting in a pan. The pan collects water and is connected to a drain so the pan won't overflow.

If you don't want a pan, you might consider putting an alarm on the floor near the water heater. If the heater leaks, the alarm goes off to alert you to the problem so your floor doesn't sustain water damage.

An insulation blanket is another accessory to consider if your water heater is set up in a space that isn't heat controlled, such as the basement or garage. The blanket wraps around the heater to hold in heat that would otherwise be lost and cause the heater to work harder. An insulation blanket can save on operating costs of your water heater.

For more information about gas water heaters, contact a company in your area. 

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