How To Choose The Right Water Heater For Your Home

When it’s time to replace your water heater, the options can feel overwhelming. Should you go tank or tankless? How big should the tank be? What about energy efficiency? At Niebuhr Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, we help La Crosse–area homeowners sort through these choices to find the right fit for their home, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a simple guide to choosing a water heater that works for you.

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters

It’s essential to understand the differences between tankless vs traditional water heaters to make an informed decision.

Tank Water Heaters

• Store hot water in a large tank (usually 30 to 80 gallons)
• Constantly heat the water, even when not in use
• Lower upfront cost
• Typically last 8 to 12 years
• Can run out of hot water if demand is high

Tankless Water Heaters

• Heat water on demand as it flows through the unit
• Higher upfront cost, but lower energy use
• Provide “unlimited” hot water as long as flow stays within capacity
• Typically last 15 to 20 years
• Best for households that use hot water at multiple fixtures simultaneously

Important: Your current setup may limit what you can install. Tankless models require different venting and gas line sizes, which not all homes have.

How Many Gallons Do You Need?

Choosing the right size water heater is important for both comfort and efficiency. Too small, and you’ll run out of hot water. Too large, and you’ll waste energy heating more than you need.

Here’s a general guide based on typical household use:

• 40 gallons – Common in smaller homes with 1–2 people
• 50 gallons – Ideal for average-sized households with 2–4 people
• 75 gallons (gas) / 80 gallons (electric) – Best for larger homes, especially those with big soaking tubs or high hot water demand

For tankless systems, you’ll want to consider flow rate instead (measured in gallons per minute or GPM). Most homes require 4–8 GPM to run multiple showers or appliances at once.

What Increases Hot Water Demand?

Your family size isn’t the only factor. Think about:

• Teenagers: Longer showers and more frequent laundry
• Spa tubs or soaking tubs: Require high gallon capacity
• Frequent guests: Increase daily hot water use
• Multiple bathrooms: May need higher flow rates
• High-efficiency washers or dishwashers: Can impact usage patterns

It’s not just about gallons. It’s about how and when your household uses hot water.

Energy Source And Efficiency

Check what you currently have:

• Gas: Heats faster and is more efficient for larger homes
• Electric: Easier to install in homes without gas lines

Also consider:

• Venting type: Some gas heaters require specific vent setups
• Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): Higher numbers mean better efficiency
• Energy Star–rated models: Save on utility costs over time

Need Help Deciding?

Every home is different. Choosing the right water heater depends on your plumbing setup, energy source, hot water habits, and long-term plans.

At Niebuhr, we’ve been helping homeowners in La Crosse and the Coulee Region for over 100 years. Whether you’re replacing an aging system or upgrading to meet new demands, we’ll walk you through your options and install a system that fits your needs.

Call 608-782-1700 or request an appointment online today. We make choosing a water heater simple and stress-free.