There are a lot of choices when it comes to water heaters. The more you know, the better decision you can make. Below are some facts to consider as you evaluate water heaters for your home.
Types of Water Heaters
Water heaters come in two broad categories:
Traditional water heaters use a tank to store and heat water. If the tank is big enough to meet the needs of your household, a traditional water heater can work quite effectively to ensure hot water is always on hand.
This type of water heater is relatively inexpensive. However, since it heats and reheats water based on storage capacity and not on actual usage, a traditional water heater can bring steep energy costs. Various sizes are available, and a large traditional water heater can store 50 gallons or more. These appliances typically run on gas or electricity, and models that run on electricity are typically more costly to operate. In areas with limited access to gas, oil or propane can be used to fuel traditional water heaters, and solar-powered versions are also available. If you're purchasing a traditional water heater, expect it to have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Tank-based water heaters can also be fueled by a heat pump. This system heats the water by drawing warmth from the surrounding air. Relative to electric water heaters, heat pumps offer outstanding energy efficiency.
It's important to consider placement when choosing a traditional water heater. These heaters can be quite large and unwieldy, and they occupy a lot of space in a room. Traditional water heaters are not designed to be placed outdoors.
Tankless water heaters provide water on demand, and tank storage is not part of the process. When you turn on your hot-water faucet, these heaters quickly work to heat cold water. This heating process is advertised as being instantaneous, and it typically takes just seconds. However, in real-world use, heating times can differ across various faucets in a household, and some users have reported that heating can sometimes take as long as five minutes. Typically this has to do with the home’s underlying piping system.
Tankless water heaters have energy efficiency in their favor, and these heaters can be as much as 25 percent more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters. They also promise excellent longevity, built to last as long as 20 years. They're compact in size, and both indoor and outdoor placement is possible. Tankless water heaters run on gas, electricity, propane, oil, or solar energy, and they may also be fueled by a heat pump.
Keep in mind, though, that these water heaters can be quite expensive, costing up to three times as much as a traditional water heaters. The installation process can also be quite lengthy and complex. Finally, since these water heaters don’t store pre-heated water in a tank, it can sometimes take a few minutes for the water to heat up at the faucet.
What to Consider When Selecting a Water Heater
Certain variables play a part in determining which water heater is best suited for your needs. Here are some factors to consider.
Fuel type. Water heater fuel types include electricity, gas, propane, oil, solar energy, or a heat pump. Some parts of the country have limited access to certain types of fuel, so choose a heater that uses fuel that is readily available in your neck of the woods. It's also important to make fuel cost part of the equation, since certain types of fuel are more expensive than others.
Size. It’s important to figure out the right size for your particular home. If you pick a water heater that's too small, you won't get enough hot water for bathing, showering, and other household activities. On the other hand, if you choose a water heater that's too large, you could wind up unnecessarily inflating your energy bill.
Energy efficiency. Not all water heaters offer the same level of energy efficiency. For example, a gas-powered tankless water heater will likely be much more efficient than a large traditional water heater that's fueled by electricity. Even if the initial cost is higher, you stand to save money in the long run with a water heater that runs efficiently.
Cost. Prices vary tremendously when it comes to water heaters. Tankless water heaters are usually a lot pricier to purchase and install than traditional heaters.
Longevity. A water heater that is built to live a long life can save you money. Though tankless water heaters are more expensive than traditional water heaters, they have a longer life span. Tankless water heaters can last up to twice as long as traditional models.
Popular Cities