How to Grade Mobile Home Water Heaters

When replacing a water heater in a mobile home is there any difference than when replacing one in a normal home? Are the standards different or are the heaters themselves any different? The answer to these questions is no and the only stipulation for the heater is that it will fit in the mobile homes water heater space.

• Look at your present water heater and see what size it is. They can range from 20 gallons up to 120 gallons. The standard size for a home is 30 – 40 gallons in size. Many mobile homes today are really quite large in size and the size of the family living in it determines the size of the heater. If you need a 40-gallon water heater and your mobile home will fit it in, then that is what you should get.


• Purchase one of the water heaters especially designed for mobile homes if you must. They have what are called “slim design features”. If you need one of these then by all means that is what you should purchase.


• Check for the “Energy Star Label." All newly manufactured water heaters must have a rating by the government agency and given an energy factor. These numbers will show you approximately how energy efficient the heater is. The higher the number the more efficient it is.


• Check to see what the First Hour Rating is. In mobile homes with smaller heaters this number makes a difference. It lets you know how quickly the water taken from the tank is replaced.


• Look at the heaters amount of insulation. You want it to have a minimum of two inches of insulation that will maintain heat and require less power to reheat.