Buying a Water Heater? Remember These 5 Numbers

Running out of hot water mid-shower? The heater usually isn't the problem — the numbers you bought by were. Here are the 5 numbers insiders check before buying a water heater: 1. First-hour rating — 65 gallons or more for a family of four (not the tank size on the box) 2. UEF efficiency — about 0.65 for gas, 3.5 for a heat pump 3. Recovery rate — gas reheats about 40 gallons an hour, standard electric about 20 4. Fuel type — buy what your house is already plumbed for; switching fuels means new lines and new costs 5. Fit and warranty — a 50-gallon tank stands about 60 inches tall; 6-year warranty is standard, 9 or 12 means better built Plus: the signs your old heater is about to fail, so you can replace it on your schedule — not on its. 0:00 The cold-shower problem 0:55 First-hour rating 2:20 UEF efficiency 3:50 Recovery rate 5:15 Fuel type 6:40 Fit and warranty 8:10 Signs it's time to replace 9:15 Recap Before you buy, run the numbers. New appliance buying guides every week — subscribe to Five Numbers.