High Efficiency Gas Water Heaters Review

An overview of the high-efficiency gas water heaters built by the major manufacturers of water heating products in the US and Canada. Check out the available types and models, capacity and energy factors of the gas-powered tank-type water heaters.

All the listed high-efficiency water heaters below are also Energy Star approved, making them eligible for the rebates and tax breaks. One water heater is considered Energy Star as long as the Energy Factor (EF) and First Hour Rating meet the requirements.

High efficiency means that more energy is transferred to water, less energy is lost, and less carbon dioxide is emitted.

The EF is used to measure the efficiency of the water heater, and the higher it is, the lower the operating costs are. The bigger the number, the more efficient model is.

Important things to know when buying a new water heater

With approximately 15-20% annual energy consumption, water heating is the second-largest energy consumer in an average US household, right after heating and air conditioning (about 45%).

Electric appliances spend roughly two times more energy than gas. They have higher efficiency, but the high cost per BTU makes it expensive to run.

Water heaters today are much more efficient than old ones. Older models have an efficiency of 50-60%, while new condensing models can easily go over 90%. The efficiency is even better with hybrid technologies, such as hybrid electric water heaters, which combine heat pumps and electric heating elements.

If you want to buy a tank-type water heater, check its energy-related features. High efficient models have 2-3” thick foam insulation with an R-value around 20. They also include heat traps, induced draft, power or power-direct venting system, modulating gas valve, and advanced electronics. Some homeowners use insulation blankets to reduce the standby heat loss.

Always read the information found on the Energy Guide label, where you can find energy-related info so you can compare the energy efficiency of different models. It contains info such as the approximate annual operating cost and estimates of its annual energy use.

The Energy Factor (EF), which measures the efficiency, ranges from 0.5 to 1 in conventional water heaters, while it can go even four times more in heat pumps or hybrids. Low efficient models have an efficiency around 50-60%, mid-efficient around 70-80%, and high efficiency over 90%.

Keep in mind that water heaters with the higher energy factor cost more but save more energy and money in the long run and when compare to the standard-type models. According to energystar.gov, high-efficiency gas water heaters use 10-15% less energy than conventional models.

American

AO Smith

Bradford White

GE

Kenmore

Rheem

State

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• Best condensing water heaters review
• Heat pumps water heaters (hybrids) buying guide
• How to save on water heating

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