Choosing a new water heater is a bigger decision than most homeowners realize. The wrong choice means inadequate hot water, unnecessary energy costs, or a unit that doesn’t last in Riverside County’s hard water environment. This complete guide from Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc. walks you through every factor to consider — so you make the right call for your home and budget.
Step 1: Choose Your Fuel Type
The first decision is fuel type, which is often determined by what’s already in your home:
- Natural gas — Most common in Riverside County. Gas water heaters heat water faster and typically cost less to operate than electric. If you have a gas line to your current water heater, a gas replacement is almost always the right choice.
- Electric — Used where gas isn’t available or in homes without gas service. Generally slower recovery time but simpler installation.
- Propane — Used in rural areas of Riverside County without natural gas service. Operates similarly to natural gas but requires a propane tank.
- Heat pump (hybrid electric) — Very efficient option for Southern California’s climate. Uses heat from the surrounding air to heat water, consuming 2–3x less electricity than a standard electric unit. Requires adequate space and consistent ambient temperature above 40°F.
Step 2: Choose Tank vs. Tankless
This is the biggest decision most homeowners face. Here’s a simple framework:
Choose a traditional tank water heater if:
- Your budget for installation is under $1,500
- You have 1–3 people in your home
- You’re replacing a like-for-like unit and have no compelling reason to change
- Your gas line is ½” (upgrading for tankless adds cost)
Choose a tankless water heater if:
- You have 4+ people in your home and run out of hot water
- You plan to stay in the home 10+ years and want to maximize long-term value
- You want to reduce your energy footprint
- You want the best available technology and can invest in the upfront cost
Step 3: Choose the Right Size
For tank water heaters, size is measured in gallons of storage and “first hour rating” (FHR) — how many gallons the unit can deliver in the first hour of use:
- 1–2 people: 30–40 gallon tank
- 2–4 people: 40–50 gallon tank
- 4–6 people: 50–75 gallon tank, or upgrade to tankless
- 6+ people: Tankless strongly recommended
For tankless water heaters, sizing is based on GPM (gallons per minute) flow rate needed at your peak demand temperature rise:
- 1–2 simultaneous uses (1–2 bathrooms): 6–7 GPM unit
- 3–4 simultaneous uses (3+ bathrooms): 9–11 GPM unit
- High demand (5+ bathrooms or commercial): 11+ GPM or multiple units
Step 4: Factor in Riverside County’s Hard Water
This step is specific to our region and often overlooked by plumbers who service a broader area. Riverside County water hardness ranges from 12–20+ grains per gallon in most communities. This directly affects your water heater in three ways:
- Scale buildup: Reduces efficiency and capacity over time
- Anode rod acceleration: Hard water depletes anode rods faster, increasing corrosion risk
- Tankless heat exchanger clogging: Scale can block narrow passages in tankless heat exchangers, requiring descaling
If you’re in a hard water area (San Jacinto, Hemet, Perris, and most of eastern Riverside County especially), we recommend either a water softener or selecting a unit with scale-resistant design features. The Navien NPE series has built-in scale detection; Bradford White’s Hydrojet system reduces sediment settlement.
Step 5: Check Energy Efficiency Ratings
California’s Title 24 energy standards require new water heaters to meet minimum Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings. When comparing units, higher UEF = more efficient:
- Standard gas tank: UEF 0.62–0.70
- High-efficiency gas tank: UEF 0.70–0.82
- Condensing tankless: UEF 0.92–0.97
- Heat pump hybrid electric: UEF 2.0–4.0
Units with a UEF of 0.82 or higher may qualify for federal tax credits and LADWP or SoCalGas rebates.
Get Expert Guidance Before You Buy
The best way to choose a water heater for your Riverside County home is to call a licensed plumber and describe your household. Call Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc. at (951) 657-0393 — we’ll ask the right questions and recommend the right unit. Free phone consultations available. Serving San Jacinto, Hemet, Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Perris, Winchester, Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore.