What to Look for When Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home in Citrus County, Florida

By Modern Plumbing, Inc. — Family-Owned & Operated Since 1978
When it’s time to replace your water heater, the options can be overwhelming. Should you go with gas or electric? Tank or tankless? The right choice can help you save on energy bills, improve performance, and keep your hot water running reliably for years to come.

At Modern Plumbing, Inc., our licensed and insured plumbers specialize in water heater repair, replacement, and installation across Citrus County, Florida, including Inverness, Lecanto, Crystal River, Hernando, Homosassa, and Floral City. Here’s everything you need to know before selecting your next water heater.

💧 1. Determine the Right Water Heater Size (in Gallons)Water heaters come in different tank sizes, commonly ranging from 30 to 80 gallons.

• A small household (1–2 people) may only need a 30–40 gallon tank.
• Larger families often require 50 gallons or more to meet daily demand.

Choosing the correct size prevents both energy waste and hot water shortages. If you’re not sure what size you need, our plumbers can measure your current setup and recommend the best AO Smith ProLine model for your home.


🧍‍♂️ 2. Measure the Height and Space Around Your Heater
Before replacement, measure how tall your current water heater is and note any space limitations around it. Some homes—especially garages and closets—require a “short” or “low-boy” model to fit properly. Proper spacing ensures safe installation and allows for future maintenance.

⚡ 3. Is your Existing Heater Electric or Gas powered?
Ask yourself: Is your water heater electric or gas-powered? Most water heaters in Citrus County are typically Tank Type Electric. It is important to stay with the same type of heater to avoid modifications.

Modern Plumbing installs both electric and gas AO Smith ProLine water heaters with same-day installation and free estimates.

🚪 4. Consider Location: Is It in the Garage or Inside the Home?
Most Citrus County homes have their water heaters in the garage. If your water heater is tucked in a small closet or corner it is very important to make sure to select a heater that will fit in properly to avoid costly modifications. Water heaters installed in living spaces require water heater pans with drain lines. 

🧱 5. Is Your Heater Installed on a Shelf?
Is your heater is on a raised platform? Picking the correct water heater is important due to space limitations on shelves. It also requires two plumbers to safely get the old water heater down and the new water heater up. We would love to give you a Free Onsite Estimate for these heaters.

🚰 6. County Water or Well Water?

• County or City Water with Meters Water Heater Installations Include Code Required Expansion Tanks Per Florida Plumbing Code. Expansion tanks are a safety device installed above your water heater that allows thermal expansion absorption.  Well Water systems do not require Expansion Tanks. 

⏳ 7. How Old Is Your Water Heater?
Most traditional water heaters last 12–15 years. If yours is older—or showing signs of rust, leaks, or longer heating times—it may be time to replace it. Installing a new energy-efficient model can reduce energy costs by up to 20–30%.


✅ Quick Checklist: Water Heater Questions
Before scheduling your free estimate, take a minute to answer these questions:

• What size is your heater in gallons?
• How tall is your heater?
• Is it Electric or Gas?
• Is your heater located in your garage?
• Is your heater on a shelf?
• Are you on County Water or Well Water?
• Do you know the approximate age of the heater?
• Is there any limitation in space around the heater?

Having these answers ready helps Modern Plumbing quickly recommend the best water heater replacement or installation for your home.

📞 Call Modern Plumbing for a Free Water Heater Estimate

Don’t wait for a cold shower!
Call Modern Plumbing, Inc. today at 📱 (352) 726-5601 for a Free Estimate and Same-Day Service.
We proudly serve Inverness, Lecanto, Crystal River, Hernando, Homosassa, and all of Citrus County.
👉 Family-Owned Since 1978 — “Your Grandma’s Favorite Plumber!”