HVAC Tips

When you're choosing a water heater, it’s easy to focus on tank size alone. But if you want consistent hot water—especially during busy mornings or back-to-back showers—there’s one number that matters more than most:

First Hour Rating (FHR).

In this guide, I’ll explain what FHR is, why it’s different from tank size, and how to choose the right FHR for your home and lifestyle.

One of the most common questions I get is: “Is 50 or 60 gallons enough for my home?” The answer depends on how many people live in your home and when they use hot water.

This guide breaks it down clearly—so you can choose the right tank size with confidence and avoid cold showers or wasted energy.

If you're thinking about upgrading to a 50–60 gallon electric water heater, Energy Star® certification and federal tax credits can make a big dent in your total cost—without compromising on performance.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to find qualifying models, claim your incentives, and save hundreds on your next installation.

If you’re shopping for a 50–60 gallon electric water heater, chances are you’ve come across the three industry leaders: AO Smith, Rheem, and Bradford White. But which one is the right choice for your home?

As someone who’s worked closely with product data, contractor feedback, and homeowners like you, I’ve broken it down into a practical comparison you can trust.

When your electric water heater stops delivering hot water, it can throw off your entire routine—cold showers, no dishwashing, laundry delays. The good news? Many issues can be diagnosed (and even fixed) without a service call.

Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot the most common electric water heater problems.

Your electric water heater works quietly in the background—but like any hardworking appliance, it needs regular care to stay efficient and reliable. A few simple tasks done yearly can add 5–10 years to your unit’s life and prevent costly repairs.

Here’s a maintenance checklist trusted by pros (and made simple for homeowners), plus expert-approved resources to guide you.

Installing a new water heater isn’t just about picking the right tank size—it’s also about preparing your space and knowing what to expect from the installation process. Whether you’re a handy homeowner or hiring a professional, this guide will help you avoid common pitfalls and make confident, code-compliant choices.

Choosing between a gas or electric water heater can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also deciding on tank size, recovery rate, and energy efficiency. As someone who’s worked with thousands of homeowners at The Furnace Outlet, I’ve found that breaking it down by performance, cost, and lifestyle fit makes the choice a lot clearer.

Here’s everything you need to know about how gas and electric water heaters compare — and when each is the better pick.