Why Professional Winter Plumbing Inspections Are Worth the Investment

The Best Water Heaters for Homes in Gresham and Happy Valley 

Replacing your water heater isn’t just a necessary repair—it’s an opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term value. But with so many models on the market, how do you choose the best one? 

At Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing, we work with homeowners throughout Gresham, Happy Valley, and the greater Portland area to select water heating systems that deliver consistent performance, lower energy bills, and reliable hot water all year long. 

In this post, we’ll break down the top water heater types and models we recommend for Oregon homes—based on climate, usage needs, and local utility incentives. 

Understanding Your Options: Tank vs. Tankless vs. Hybrid 

The best water heater for your home depends on household size, fuel availability, usage patterns, and budget. Here’s how the main types compare: 

1. Traditional Tank Water Heaters 

  • Best for: Families of 3–5, budget-conscious buyers 
  • Common sizes: 40–80 gallons 
  • Fuel types: Natural gas, electric, propane 
  • Pros: Lower upfront cost, simple installation, familiar operation 
  • Cons: Limited hot water supply, standby energy loss 

Tank heaters are still a popular choice for many homes in Gresham and Happy Valley—especially for those replacing an existing unit. New ENERGY STAR® models offer better insulation and more efficient heating elements than older designs. 

2. Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters 

  • Best for: Small to medium households, homeowners interested in long-term savings 
  • Fuel types: Natural gas or electric 
  • Pros: Endless hot water, compact wall-mounted design, 20+ year lifespan, lower energy costs 
  • Cons: Higher upfront cost, may require gas/electric line upgrades 

Tankless systems are ideal for modern homes or households that use hot water at different times throughout the day. They’re especially effective for empty nesters, couples, or smaller families who want to reduce waste. 

3. Hybrid or Heat Pump Water Heaters 

  • Best for: Eco-conscious households with moderate to high water usage 
  • Fuel type: Electric 
  • Pros: Most energy-efficient of all options, qualifies for tax credits and rebates, quiet operation 
  • Cons: Higher cost, needs more space and ventilation 

If you’re replacing an older electric tank unit and want to reduce your carbon footprint, a hybrid water heater offers unmatched efficiency. 

Top Brands We Trust and Install 

At Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing, we work with nationally recognized brands that offer strong warranties and proven durability: 

  • Rheem – Known for reliable tank and hybrid systems with ENERGY STAR® ratings 
  • Navien – Premium tankless systems with industry-leading efficiency and compact designs 
  • Bradford White – Durable tanks with smart control systems and anti-corrosion technologies 
  • AO Smith – Well-rounded models for electric and gas homes, good balance of price and performance 

We help you choose based on your specific needs, and we only recommend models that we’ve installed and tested ourselves. 

Water Heater Size Guide for Gresham-Area Homes 

Choosing the right size is critical. Too small, and you’ll run out of hot water. Too large, and you’ll waste energy. 

Here’s a quick sizing guide based on household size: 

  • 1–2 people: 30–40 gallon tank or small tankless system 
  • 3–4 people: 50–60 gallon tank or standard tankless 
  • 5+ people: 75+ gallon tank or high-flow tankless system (or dual units) 

We’ll assess your household’s hot water demands—including laundry, dishwashing, and simultaneous usage—to determine the best fit. 

Don’t Forget About Local Incentives 

Homeowners in Gresham and Happy Valley may qualify for: 

  • Up to $500 in local utility rebates 
  • Federal tax credits up to 30% for ENERGY STAR® certified systems 
  • Cash incentives from manufacturers during promotional windows 
  • Financing options through Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing 

We’ll guide you through the rebate process and ensure you get the maximum available savings. 

Learn more about the systems we recommend on our Water Heater Replacement page, or ask about models that qualify for 2025 energy incentives. 

Need Help Choosing the Right System? We’ve Got You Covered. 

Every home is different. Whether you live in a mid-century ranch in Gresham or a new build in Happy Valley, our expert plumbers will: 

  • Evaluate your current system and household water usage 
  • Recommend a system tailored to your lifestyle and budget 
  • Install it to code with manufacturer-registered warranties 
  • Help you secure any available rebates or tax credits 

We carry the most trusted models and install them quickly—often with same-day service. 

Need a Plumbing Pro You Can Trust? 

Whether you’re in Gresham, Happy Valley, or the Greater Portland area, Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing is your local expert for high-efficiency water heater installation. We’ll help you choose the right system and get it installed the right way—on time, on budget, and up to code. 

Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and water usage assessment.