Have you ever tried taking a cold shower? Although some people swear by it, most find it impossible to stand under the cold water for even a few seconds. Having a reliable water heater is important, not just for a comfortable shower, but also for dishwashers, washing machines, and more. By knowing the main types of water heaters, you’ll be equipped to find the perfect one for the long run!
5 Types of Water Heaters
When searching for a new water heater, you’ll find 5 main types of water heaters on the market. Depending on the type, you can choose what kind of fuel you use, from oil to natural gas to electricity.
- Conventional water heaters: These are the most popular and easy to find.
- Heat pump water heaters: Great for energy savings.
- Condensing water heaters:
- Solar water heaters: The most eco-friendly option.
- Tankless/on-demand water heaters: Great for small households.
1. Conventional
Conventional water heaters are one of the most popular types of water heaters. The water warms up inside an insulated tank. How much hot water you’ll have at a given time will depend on the tank size. Most conventional water heaters have temperature and pressure control valves that keep the water at safe and ideal temperature and pressure.
Pros: These are some of the most affordable types of water heaters you can get, especially models that aren’t super high-tech. They also have easy installation that typically costs less than other types of water heaters. Conventional water heaters work in all different climates and circumstances.
Cons: If you get a tank that is too small for your needs, you’ll have to wait for hot water. For example, if you get a 50 gallon tank, that’s the amount of warm water you’ll have until you have to wait possibly a few hours for the next tank. It’s important to choose a tank size that will correspond to the amount of heated water you’ll need in a day.
These water heaters also use more energy to keep the water sitting in the tank heated. As a result, you may have higher energy bills. These also can take up a lot of space and require upkeep to prevent water damage to the appliance and your home.
How To Maintain: To keep your conventional water heater working its best and living long, clean it consistently. Cleaning the tank once or twice a year will discourage wearing and wash away sediment.
2. Heat Pump
A heat pump and electric coils are both used with a hybrid water heater, also known as a heat pump water heater. Your home’s water is heated using either of these techniques. Water heaters with hybrid heat pumps can operate in a variety of ways. They can operate in electric mode only, heat pump mode only, or both modes simultaneously. In hybrid mode, the hybrid heat pump water heater will alternate between using electric coils and heat pump coils.
Pros: This is one of the most energy-efficient types of water heaters because it does not produce heat directly. It can use up to 60% less energy than conventional water heaters. This spells out a smaller energy bill each month.
Cons: Compared to standard water heaters, hybrid heat pumps require more space for air circulation. A heat pump water heater operates by exchanging heat from the surrounding ground or air to the water. A space of at least 750 Ft³ is advised by the majority of heat pump manufacturers.
Heat pumps are also not as efficient in colder climates and cold areas of the home such as a basement. Additionally, they are one of the more costly systems to install.
How to maintain: Like other water heaters with a tank, hybrid or heat pump water heaters need regular cleaning once or twice a year.
3. Condensing
Condensing water heaters function similarly to traditional heating systems, but instead of letting hot exhaust gases leave the house through a flue, they divert them to a heat exchanger inside the tank.
Pros: Condensing water heaters enable you to reduce energy expenses by 30% if your home is equipped with an ENERGY STAR rated heating system. By lowering your output of greenhouse gas emissions, this enables you to reduce your carbon footprint.
For families who use natural gas to heat their homes, this type of water heater is typically the most energy-efficient option. Since it typically necessitates a larger tank, there is often more than enough water to go around.
Cons: The initial cost of a condensing water heater can range from two to three times that of a conventional water heater. Changing to a condensing water heater is more complicated and necessitates some transition. Be sure to take into account all potential costs before making your final choice, from gas lines to venting alignments.
It is suitable for families who require a capacity of more than 55 gallons because this sort of water heater is difficult to find in smaller models. Additionally, it won’t be the greatest option for houses without natural gas.
How to maintain: You’ll need to clean the tank once or twice a year and clean the gas import valves each year.
4. Solar
If you are considering solar panels or already have some, a solar-powered water heater is a great option.
This type of water heater, which gets its power from solar panels put on the roof, is one of the most energy-efficient kinds. Solar water heaters operate by transferring energy through a closed-loop system connected to the tank, heating up the water.
Pros: Solar water heaters are the most energy-efficient solutions for water heaters on the market right now. The sun’s rays are a renewable resource, making these types of water heaters the most eco-friendly option.
When you switch to solar energy, you can substantially lower both your water and power bills, even though the initial installation expense is a hefty one.
The federal government has put a lot of effort into encouraging solar panels. Several federal tax credits are available to help offset the price of installation.
Cons: This works especially well for people who live in warm, sunny climates. To ensure that the water heater can function even on overcast days, this system might need a backup source of fuel, like electricity or gas. The initial cost is also much higher on these compared to conventional systems.
How to maintain: Like the other systems, you’ll need to clean the tank regularly. Also consider that the panels on the roof will need maintenance.
5. Tankless or On-Demand
On-demand water heaters, commonly referred to as tankless water heaters, are highly energy-efficient and give you an infinite supply of hot water. The tankless water heater swiftly heats the water using powerful burners.
Pros: Tankless water heaters have the advantage of just heating water as needed. Because water doesn’t need to be heated continuously or stored, you can save a lot on your energy bills. These types of water heaters are also more compact and easy to fit in your home.
Imagine taking a shower with hot water that never ran out. A tankless water heater can help you do that. You’ll never run out of hot water because it produces it on demand. Depending on your piping, it can take a bit longer for the hot water to reach you. But as soon as the hot water is available, everything is set.
Cons: These water heaters may require longer gas lines or more electric capacity, causing a very expensive installation. Even if you don’t need more fuel, tankless water heaters usually have a higher initial cost.
These are recommended for smaller family sizes. If someone is washing clothes in warm water and another person is taking a hot shower, the demands may be too high for the water heater to handle, resulting in cold water. Make sure your water heater is the correct size and capacity for your family.
How to maintain: Clean the tank at least once each year to avoid water damage.