Tankless water heaters

Never worry about using all the hot water when you have a tankless water heater. When browsing the range of heaters, check for the correct size, the best fuel option, and extras that increase efficiency.

Electric vs. gas: You can install an electric tankless water heater virtually anywhere because no vents are necessary. You'll also benefit from quieter operation and a smaller unit than a gas tankless water heater. The latter is more powerful and has a longer life.

Size: Check the BTUs to ensure you pick the right size tankless water heater. This measurement shows how much heat the unit emits. Generally, you need 140,000 BTUs for one to two people, 190,000 BTUs for two to three people or more than one bathroom, and 380,000 for three to five people.

Efficiency: Check for a built-in recirculation pump when your water heater and fixture are more than 50 feet apart. This reduces the amount of time it takes for the hot water to reach the fixture and helps save water. Monitor your usage of hot water and gas and adjust the temperature via your smartphone when you choose a Wi-Fi-compatible model.