One of the most innovative water heaters on the market is the tankless water heater for endless hot water.  Not only does this heater provide constant hot water, it takes up very little space where ever it is located in the home because it has no storage tank.  Another benefit to a tankless water heater is that you only use fuel for heating when you are using the hot water.  A conventional heater, by comparison, is always heating the water in the tank to keep it at the desired temperature regardless of how much is used.

However, a great strength of the conventional heaters is that they are time-tested.  Homes all across the country rely on these 30, 40 or 50 gallon models and the combined wisdom of the many technicians that install and service them.

Yet, another solution is a point-of-use water heater.  These smaller units are installed near the fixture that uses them, such as a shower or faucet, and service them directly. This is a great solution for RV campers, Day Cares or Hot Tubs.

With so many choices, deciding which water heater is right for you can seem overwhelming. We have included the following guidelines to consider.

Regular or High Demand?

Consider the load you will be placing on your water heater.  Regular usage for most homes includes a dishwasher and washing machine.  Factors that contribute to a High Demand include the whirlpool tubs, spas, oversized baths and children or teens.

Household Size?

Every additional member of your household multiplies your hot water demands exponentially.   Also, children and teens generally use more hot water than adults do.  Take some time to observe the hot water habits of the members of your household.

Future Planning?

Finally, your new hot water heater is an investment you will want to enjoy and rely upon for a long time.  Factor into that investment your plans for the future and the future of your household.  Are you a small family hoping to grow in the next few years?  Will your small children be developing into their teens soon?  Has your family stopped growing and are your children going to be heading off to start lives of their own in the coming years?  A little time spent reflecting on these types of considerations can translate into making the most of your new investment.

To help with the decision making process we’ve included a chart below of different households and the size of the water heaters that we would recommend for their needs.  These sizes are for conventional electric hot water heaters.

Household Size	Regular Usage	High Demand
2 or 3 Adults or Small Family (2 Children)	40 Gallon	50 Gallon
Large Family (3 or More Children)	50 Gallon	65 Gallon

American Plumbing Solutions, Inc. uses Rheem^® as our preferred brand of conventional water heaters and Rinnai^®  as our preferred brand of tankless water heaters.