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How to Choose A Water Heater
How to Choose A Water Heater
4.8 RATING

How to Choose A Water Heater

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

October 12, 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.

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.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

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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