The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Home Hot Water Boiler

Consumer Reports recently tested several electric and gas whole-house tankless water heaters from brands such as Bosch, Navien, Noritz, Rheem, Rinnai, Tempra, and Trutankless. We compared the results with those of conventional tanked heaters from Rheem, one gas and one electric, as well as with a Rheem electric heat pump water heater, which is a variation on a tanked water heater.

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Following a "heavy use" industry standard test, we compared the performance of gas and electric tankless water heaters with the performance of their conventional tank counterparts. The test used a high draw pattern equal to using 84 gallons of water per day. That's the daily equivalent of taking several showers, running the dishwasher, washing one load of laundry, and turning the faucet on and off multiple times. The test used an inlet temperature of 58° F for gas models and 74° F for electrics (plus or minus 2° F) and a target outlet temperature of 120° F.

Because the tankless water heaters performed so similarly to each other, we averaged the results of each batch, gas and electric, and compared that score with the performance of the conventional gas and electric storage tanks and the electric heat pump model. As a result, we have no model-level ratings like we do with other major appliances.

Using the purchase price, annual energy cost, and an estimated cost of installation, we calculated the payback time for both new and replacement installations. Payback time was longer for a tankless unit that replaced an existing storage tank but more reasonable with new construction. 

Check our gas and electric water heater ratings for more.

Tank water heaters typically hold 40, 50, or 55 gallons or more. The size you buy depends on the number of people living in your home and your peak water usage. A family of four, for instance, might take several showers, run the dishwasher, and wash a load or two of laundry in an average day, totaling 100 gallons of hot water or more. But that doesn't mean that household needs a 100-gallon storage tank.

For storage tank water heaters, it's important to consider the first-hour rating, which is the number of gallons a water heater can deliver in an hour starting with a full tank. You'll find the FHR on the EnergyGuide label. To calculate what FHR will work for your home, use the calculator on the Energy Saver website.

As the result of recently updated efficiency standards, water heaters less than 55 gallons now have a 4 percent boost in efficiency and water heaters 55 gallons or more have efficiency gains of 25 to 50 percent, depending on the technology used'heat pump or condensing. (See water heater types, below.)

And don't assume that a new water heater will fit where your old one was. Because of increased insulation and other efficiency improvements, some newer models may be wider and/or taller than your old water heater.

Tankless water heaters, of course, don't hold much water, so the number to look for is the gallons-per-minute rating (GPM). That's the number that tells you how much hot water the heater can deliver over a set period of time. The higher the GPM, the more hot water the unit can deliver. If you have a big family and multiple bathrooms, you'll need a tankless water heater with a higher GPM. A typical shower, for example, uses up to 2.5 GPM. Newer washers use from 7 gallons (front-loader) to 19 gallons (agitator top-loader) per wash, but older models can use up to 32 gallons per load, as indicated below. Calculate your needs accordingly.

For more, you can check our water heater ratings.

Warranty: Coverage for water heaters typically runs three to 12 years. Though you'll usually pay a bit more for longer-warranty models, we've found that they tend to have larger elements or burners that can speed up water heating and have thicker insulation for less heat loss. Choose a water heater with the longest warranty available.

Anti-scale devices: Some brands advertise features that are supposed to reduce buildup of mineral scale at the bottom of the tank by swirling the water. Though scale can shorten the life of the heating element, you don't need to invest in fancy features to get a water heater that lasts. Just look for one with a 12-year warranty, which typically includes a longer or thicker element.

Brass vs. plastic drain valves: These are situated near the base of the water heater for a garden hose that drains the heater. Look for brass drain valves, which are more durable than plastic.

Glass-lined tanks: They're designed to reduce corrosion.

Digital displays: These help you monitor levels and customize operation. Some electric/heat pump hybrid water heaters let you set a vacation mode that uses just the heat pump for added efficiency when you're away. Displays on solar water heaters often show tank and collector temperatures, along with pressure readings and other info.

Boilers are considered central heating systems because the heat generated by the equipment is spread throughout the home. However, unlike other heating methods, there is typically a small lag time between the boiler turning on and the heat being dispersed.

Most boilers produce steam or hot water using natural gas or heating oil, and are either condensing or non-condensing (see below). Boilers are required by the federal government to be at least 80 percent efficient, and can have efficiencies as high as 98.5 percent. Some boilers can be expensive to install, but all types typically last 15 to 30 years, and you can avoid possible repair headaches by reading our guide to the Most and Least Reliable Boilers. You should also look at Consumer Reports' and surveys of 2,137 boilers, owned by members who installed a new unit between and , to get a clearer picture of which brands are preferred by members.

Gas-Fired Boilers
Gas-fired boilers are fueled by either natural gas or propane, and are highly efficient. However, natural gas is not available everywhere, and some homeowners at the end of a gas pipeline pay higher fuel prices. Propane typically is more expensive than natural gas, but it's available throughout the U.S.

Oil-Fired Boilers
If you buy a oil-fired boiler, you'll need heating oil delivered and stored in tanks like the one above, and your operating costs will be affected by the rise and fall of oil prices.

Some boiler manufacturers now offer models that use biodiesel fuel, which produces less pollution than regular heating oil. Depending on oil prices, biodiesel heating oil can be cost-competitive with standard oil. However, because it burns cleaner and lubricates the system, biodiesel fuel can reduce your boiler service and cleaning costs.

Electric Boilers
Electric boilers are highly energy efficient. However, they typically are not economical because electricity costs more than other fuel types in many parts of the country. If you are interested in electric heating, consider a heat pump.  

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Steam Radiators
Steam heating is one of the oldest heating technologies, and upright metal steam radiators positioned along walls in older homes are common. They can provide consistent, comfortable heat.

Steam radiators need some simple maintenance to work properly and efficiently. In addition, a radiator can warp or create a groove in the floor. If that happens, the radiator may tilt, causing it to make loud banging noises. Plus, steam radiators on exterior walls can radiate some heat to the outdoors, and limit your ability to position furniture around the room.

Hot Water Radiators
More common in newer homes, hot water radiators run along a room's baseboard or stand upright like a steam radiator. Hot water radiators can reduce your home's energy consumption because they allow you to control the temperature of each floor or a large space. A heating professional can install automatic valves on the radiators, and connect them to separate thermostats.

The most common problem with hot water radiators is unwanted air in the system. Plus, like steam models, upright hot water radiators can limit your ability to position furniture.

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating
Hydronic (water) systems are the most common radiant floor heating systems. A boiler heats water and flows it to tubing under the flooring, which acts as a giant radiator. Hydronic systems can heat a whole house, but they're mainly used to heat a single room or area, and some can be zoned so thermostats regulate each space.

Hydronic radiant heating is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating, too. It also doesn't distribute allergens like forced-air systems can, and uses little electricity. However, hydronic systems can be expensive to install and to repair, and may not be as efficient if the floor is covered with thick carpeting.

Condensing vs. Non-Condensing
All boilers are either condensing or non-condensing. A condensing boiler concentrates water vapor produced in the heating process, and uses waste heat to preheat cold water entering the boiler. Condensing boilers are extremely energy efficient because they can provide ample heat while operating at lower temperatures.

Non-condensing boilers typically operate at higher temperatures, and some heat ends up being vented outside. Non-condensing boilers are 80 percent to 88 percent efficient, while condensing boilers have efficiencies greater than 88 percent.

Sealed Combustion vs. Non-Sealed Combustion
Boilers are either sealed-combustion or non-sealed combustion units. You should buy one that is sealed combustion because it brings outside air into the burner and directs exhaust gases outside. Non-sealed combustion boilers draw heated air in and then send it up the chimney, wasting the energy used to heat the air. Also, sealed-combustion boilers won't introduce dangerous gases into your home.

Climate
If you live you in a cold climate, a boiler may be a good choice for your home. But if you live in a warm climate, you may not need a central heating system. In that case, consider a heat pump, which can satisfy your air conditioning needs as well as moderate heating requirements.

Fuel Type
Gas-fueled boilers may cost less to operate than oil-fueled ones if heating oil prices are high. However, the fuel type you choose will depend on what's available in your area.

Sizing
The boiler's size is as important as its efficiency. If the boiler is undersized, it won't work efficiently; if it is oversized, it will cost you more to heat your home. Work with a heating and cooling professional, who should use an Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J calculation to determine the right boiler type and size. The calculation will take into consideration your home's foundation, wall thicknesses, insulation values, windows, air filtration and more.

Cooling
Boilers only provide heat; so you'll need a cooling system, too, if you want to air condition your home.

Boilers are rated with an annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) score, which tells you how much energy is being converted into useable heat. New boilers must have an AFUE rating of at last 80 percent, and high-efficiency models are 90 to 98.5 percent efficient. The higher the rating, the higher the equipment cost, but the lower the operating cost.

For example, say your current boiler's AFUE score is 65 percent and you pay $1,300 a year for fuel bills. If you install a high-efficiency natural gas system with an AFUE of 90 percent, your total yearly savings should be about $364.

Unless it's an emergency, and your current boiler is no longer functioning, don't buy a new boiler until you make the rest of your home as energy efficient as possible, because reducing your home's heating load will allow you to buy a smaller, less expensive system. If needed, you should:

' Add insulation to your attic and walls.
' Add weather stripping around doors and caulk around windows to keep heat from escaping.
' Properly insulate cooling system ducts in crawl spaces and attics.
' Clean your chimney.
' Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise to blow rising heat down.
' Install and set programmable thermostats to automatically lower the temperature at night and while you are away. Programmable thermostats can save you 10 percent annually on your heating bills.

Boilers should be serviced annually by a heating professional to ensure efficient heating. The technician should:

Hot Water Boilers
' Test the pressure-relief valve and high-limit control.
' Inspect the pressure tank.
' Clean the heat exchanger.

Steam Boilers
' Drain some water to remove sediments.
' Check the safety controls.
' Analyze the water and add chemicals if needed.
' Clean the heat exchanger.

Both Systems
' Check the vent connection pipe and chimney to see if they are deteriorating.
' Check the heat exchangers and pipes to see if they are leaking.
' Adjust the water and air temperature settings for optimum efficiency and comfort.

Upright and Baseboard Radiators
' Make sure radiators are not obstructed by furniture, carpeting, rugs, and drapes.
' Be sure to release trapped air from hot water radiators at the beginning of the heating season and possibly one more time during the heating season. If you are unsure how to perform this task, contact a heating professional.
' Place shims under the radiators so they are pitched slightly toward the pipe in a one-pipe system or toward the steam trap in a two-pipe system.
' Place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and exterior walls to keep heat from escaping.

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