Electric hot water heaters can bleed you dry with energy bills, hence the best alternative is gas water heaters. There are two types which you can use according to your household needs, storage tank gas hot water heaters and tankless gas hot water heaters.
To encourage people to be more energy-efficient, the US government made changes to the federal tax tables and introduced the energy efficiency tax credit. One of the ways you can hope to avail this tax credit is by saving energy. Gas hot water heaters claim to save you around 40 percent on energy bills over electric heaters. Although there are hybrid heaters they cost considerably more and at times can have high maintenance costs.
Choosing a gas hot water heater is difficult at times, especially due to the fact that there are so many manufacturers, each having different models. Advancements in technology has meant that gas hot water heaters have become more complex and careful consideration has to be given before choosing a model.
One of the first things that you need to evaluate are your requirements, if you have a big family you will need a storage tank gas hot water heater, and if you are living by yourself a tankless gas hot water heater will be sufficient. Also, choose a model which has a warranty of at least 10-12 years, another thing you need to look for is free installation. Here are a few water heaters that you can consider.
Envirotemp 75-Gallon Tall Gas Water Heater
It is also very durable as it comes with a fused ceramic shield tank that prevents corrosion and ensures longevity. Push button pilot light igniter formulated for comfortable viewing from a port. The Envirotemp also has a 2″ non CFC polyurethane foam which saves energy costs by preventing heat loss.
Rheem Warrior Gas Series
It comes equipped with factory installed temperature and pressure relief valve which are comfortably located on the side of the tank. The Rheem Warrior Gas Series are available in 29, 40, and 50 gallon versions. It has a top hole anode rod which equalizes aggressive water action. The product also has a porcelain enamel tank lining which prevents corrosion. The tank has a warranty of 5 years and it comes with a warranty of 1 year for the parts.
Bosch Aquastar 125 Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
One of the biggest selling points of this product is that it comes with a 12 year warranty. The company also professes that it can save you 50 percent on your utility bills. It is made from stainless steel and aluminum making it very durable. The product has a pilot light which controls the water temperature with a modulating gas valve. This is a very compact piece of equipment and weighs only 33 pounds.
Kenmore PowerMiser 12
This 50 gallon gas water heater performs decently in the energy efficiency department and maintenance. It has self-cleaning roto-swirls and this helps prevent mineral and sediment build up. Another important aspect of this product is that it has a 12 year tank warranty making it a good buy. The Kenmore PowerMiser 12 also has 2 anode rods to protect the tank from corrosion. The 2″ thick foam also reduces energy loss making this product a good buy for mid-sized homes.
One of the things that you could do is, compare the warranty for the tank and parts on the products before you buy them, also ensure that the manufacturer has a good customer service record. Try to get a gas hot water heater that qualifies you for the $1,500 energy tax credit.