Ratings and Criteria for Picking Out the Best Water Heater

29/Aug/2025

Ratings and Criteria for Picking Out the Best Water Heater

Selecting the best water heater may seem like a straightforward task, but there’s more than meets the eye. Many homeowners end up with the wrong water heater simply because they don’t understand what goes into selecting the right unit. For instance, some end up with an undersized water heater that barely keeps up with the demands of their household. Others ignore crucial ratings that make up the overall performance and efficiency of the water heater. Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we don’t want you to make an uninformed decision when choosing a water heater.

In this article, the experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing walk you through the most important ratings and criteria for water heaters. The information you’ll learn in this article will help you pick out the best water heater and enjoy a consistent water supply in an efficient manner. Reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing for water heater replacement and all of your plumbing needs.

Energy Factor (EF)

The Energy Factor (EF) measures how efficiently a water heater converts energy into hot water. A higher EF means less wasted energy and lower utility bills. However, EF ratings have been mostly replaced by the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). If you see an EF rating on an older model, compare it with newer standards to ensure you’re getting the most efficient option. Choosing a high-EF unit can save money over time while keeping your hot water supply reliable.

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Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)

The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is the updated standard for measuring water heater efficiency. It considers real-world usage patterns, giving a more accurate idea of how well a unit performs. Water heaters are rated into categories like “high” or “low” UEF, so a higher number means better efficiency. When you’re considering water heater replacement, be sure to check the UEF rating to compare models and find one that balances efficiency with your household’s hot water needs.

ENERGY STAR Certification

An ENERGY STAR-certified water heater meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These units use less energy while providing the same level of performance as standard models. Whether you choose a gas, electric, or tankless water heater, picking an ENERGY STAR-rated unit can reduce your energy costs and environmental footprint.

First-Hour Rating (FHR)

The First-Hour Rating (FHR) tells you how much hot water a tank water heater can deliver in an hour when fully heated. This is crucial for households with high hot water demands, especially during peak times like mornings. A higher FHR means the unit can keep up with usage without running out of hot water too quickly.

Recovery Rate

This rating measures how quickly a water heater can reheat water after it’s been used. If you frequently run multiple showers, dishwashers, or laundry loads at once, a high recovery rate is essential to avoid running out of hot water. Gas water heaters have a faster recovery rate than electric models.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Professional Water Heater Services

If you need help with selecting the right water heater for your needs, reach out to the plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We’ve been offering reliable and budget-friendly water heater services for over 50 years, and we’ve established a solid reputation for meeting our customers’ expectations. Whether you’re in need of water heater repair or complete replacement in in Savannah, GA, we are the company to call.

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