Where Can I Buy Water Heaters?

Understanding Your Water Heater Needs

Before deciding where to buy water heaters, assess your household requirements, such as capacity, fuel type (gas, electric, or tankless), and energy efficiency to ensure optimal performance and cost savings.

A water heater with the right specifications can provide endless hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes, while models like hybrid heat pumps offer rebates up to $3,600 through 2025 under federal incentives.

Consider factors like installation space and local regulations when choosing a water heater, as some types require venting or professional setup for safety and efficiency.

Types of Water Heaters Available

Traditional tank water heaters store and heat water in insulated tanks, making them affordable and suitable for most homes with capacities ranging from 30 to 80 gallons.

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand units, heat water instantly without storage, saving space and energy but potentially requiring upgrades to gas lines for high-flow models.

Hybrid electric water heaters combine heat pump technology with backup elements, achieving up to 4.0 UEF efficiency and qualifying for ENERGY STAR certification for long-term savings.

Physical Retail Stores for Purchasing Water Heaters

Big Box Home Improvement Stores

Home Depot offers a wide selection of water heaters, including electric, gas, and tankless models from brands like Rheem and A.O. Smith, with in-store pickup, delivery, and installation services available.

Lowes stocks top brands such as Bosch, Rinnai, and Eemax, providing options for tankless and hybrid units, along with professional installation and same-day repair in many locations.

Menards carries residential and commercial water heaters at competitive prices, with free in-store pickup and a focus on energy-efficient models for everyday homeowners.

Hardware and Local Stores

Ace Hardware features natural gas, propane, electric, and tankless water heaters from Reliance and EcoSmart, offering speedy home delivery or free in-store pickup for convenience.

True Value Hardware provides access to gas and electric water heaters through independently owned stores, with local experts available for advice on maintenance and selection.

Local plumbing supply stores like Ferguson specialize in professional-grade water heaters, including Rheem IKONIC tankless models, ideal for contractors or those seeking wholesale pricing.

• Visit Home Depot or Lowes for extended warranties and protection plans on water heaters.
• Check Ace Hardware for accessories like expansion tanks and heating elements to complete your purchase.
• Opt for Menards if you're in the Midwest for regional deals and bulk buying options.
• Consult True Value for personalized service in smaller communities.
• Explore Ferguson for high-end, commercial water heaters with expert curation.

Specialty Appliance Retailers

Appliance stores like Best Buy occasionally stock basic electric water heaters, focusing on smart-enabled models that integrate with home automation systems for remote monitoring.

Regional chains such as Sears or Orchard Supply Hardware (where available) offer water heaters with delivery and haul-away services for old units, ensuring a seamless replacement process.

In urban areas, stores like Coast Appliances or Abt Electronics provide premium selections, including high-efficiency hybrids with detailed product comparisons and financing options.

Online Retailers and Marketplaces

Major E-Commerce Platforms

Amazon has an extensive inventory of water heaters from various brands, with Prime shipping, customer reviews, and bundles including installation kits for quick delivery.

Walmart.com sells affordable tank and tankless water heaters online, often with free shipping over $35 and options for in-store pickup at local Supercenters.

eBay is great for new, used, or refurbished water heaters, allowing bidding or buy-it-now options, but verify seller ratings and return policies for reliability.

Specialized Online HVAC and Plumbing Sites

ACWholesalers.com offers wholesale prices on water heaters, including Energy Star models with free shipping over $199 and detailed specs for tankless units up to 8.4 GPM.

HVACDirect.com provides a broad range of boilers and water heaters, with low prices, free shipping, and expert support for selecting the right BTU capacity.

OnlineSupply.com features Rheem and A.O. Smith models, allowing online purchases with fast delivery and options for natural gas or electric configurations.

Manufacturer Direct Websites

Rheem.com sells directly through their site or authorized dealers, highlighting ProTerra hybrid models with up to $2,000 federal tax credits and installation via Rheem Pros.

AOSmith.com offers residential lines like ProLine, with a product selector tool, incentives up to $3,600 for heat pumps, and professional installation by local contractors.

Rinnai.us specializes in tankless water heaters, providing condensing models with 0.98 UEF efficiency and resources for finding local installers nationwide.

Professional and Local Services

Plumbing Companies and Contractors

Local plumbers like Payless Water Heaters in Los Angeles offer sales, installation, and same-day service for water heaters, handling everything from repairs to full replacements.

Companies such as Water Heater Pros or Mr. Water Heater provide bundled packages including the unit purchase, installation, and warranties, often sourcing high-quality models at competitive rates.

In areas like the Midwest, firms like Diaz Plumbing sell and install water heaters, ensuring compliance with local codes and offering 24/7 emergency services for urgent needs.

HVAC Specialists and Wholesalers

RelianceWaterHeaters.com directs buyers to neighborhood stores or online, with a full line of electric, gas, and tankless models backed by 12-year warranties.

Wholesalers like SupplyHouse.com cater to DIYers and pros, stocking brands like Navien and Bradford White with detailed guides and bulk discounts for multiple units.

HVAC contractors often partner with distributors to sell water heaters during system upgrades, providing integrated solutions for heating and hot water needs.

Factors to Consider When Buying Water Heaters

Cost and Budgeting

The average cost for a tank water heater ranges from $500 to $1,500, while tankless models can exceed $2,000, but factor in installation fees of $500-$1,500 and potential rebates.

Online platforms like Amazon often have sales, but physical stores like Home Depot offer financing and bundle deals that can lower upfront costs for a water heater.

Professional services may charge more but include warranties and labor, making them cost-effective long-term for complex installations of water heaters.

Installation and Delivery Options

Most retailers like Lowes provide delivery for a fee, with haul-away of old units, but confirm if installation is included or requires a licensed plumber for gas models.

Online purchases from sites like HVACDirect include free shipping, but local pickup at stores like Ace Hardware avoids shipping delays for immediate needs.

For manufacturer sites like Rinnai, they connect you to certified installers, ensuring proper venting and safety compliance for your water heater.

Warranties, Returns, and Support

Brands like A.O. Smith offer 6-12 year warranties on tanks, extendable with protection plans from Home Depot, covering parts and labor.

Amazon's return policy allows 30-day returns, but check for restocking fees on large items like water heaters, and read reviews for product reliability.

Local plumbers provide on-site support post-purchase, troubleshooting issues with your water heater without the hassle of returns or shipping.

Regional and International Considerations

Buying in the United States

In the US, big box stores dominate, with Home Depot and Lowes available nationwide, while regional chains like Menards serve the Midwest effectively.

Urban areas like Los Angeles have specialized services via Yelp recommendations, such as Rapid Action Rooter for quick sales and installs.

Federal incentives through 2025 make ENERGY STAR water heaters more affordable, applicable when buying from any authorized retailer.

International Options

For Canada, similar retailers like Home Hardware or Rona offer water heaters, with brands like Giant Factories providing local manufacturing.

In Europe, sites like Screwfix or B&Q sell efficient models compliant with EU energy standards, often with VAT-inclusive pricing.

Globally, Alibaba connects buyers to international suppliers for bulk or custom water heaters, but verify certifications for safety.

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Choices

Opt for heat pump water heaters from Rheem or A.O. Smith to qualify for rebates, reducing energy use by up to 70% compared to standard electric models.

Check retailer sites for ENERGY STAR filters, ensuring your water heater meets efficiency standards for long-term environmental benefits.

Wholesalers like ACWholesalers emphasize low NOx emissions in tankless units, supporting eco-friendly purchases with detailed specs.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Place to Buy Your Water Heater

Making an Informed Decision

Whether opting for convenience at Home Depot or expertise from a local plumber, the key is matching the water heater to your needs and budget.

Explore online options like Amazon for variety, but prioritize professional installation for safety and performance of your water heater.

With incentives available through 2025, now is an ideal time to invest in an efficient water heater from a trusted source.