Water heater replacement

The main factors are the type (tank, tankless or heat pump), fuel, capacity, and any changes your home needs, such as new venting, a larger gas line, added electrical capacity, or updates required by current code. Switching from a tank to a tankless unit usually involves more installation work than a like-for-like replacement.

Estimate how much hot water your household uses in its busiest hour, then choose a tank whose first-hour rating meets or exceeds that number. For tankless units, size by the flow rate of fixtures used at the same time and the temperature rise needed for cold incoming water.

If you smell gas, leave the house right away without using switches or phones, and call 911 and your gas utility from outside. For a leak, shut off the cold water supply valve at the top of the tank if you can do so safely, turn off the power or gas to the unit, and call for service.