In homes in the United States, the water heater is the second-largest energy use.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your electric bill and be more energy-efficient, you should look into getting a new, efficient water heater.
There are all types of water heaters, but we’ll break down some more popular ones so you know which one to get!
Tank Water Heaters
One of the most common water heaters is the traditional tank water heater.
This version will hold all the hot water in the tank and eventually release it through the pipes. As the hot water drains out to be used, it will be replaced with colder water that will heat and store for when you need it next.
Depending on what type of tank water heater you get, it could be powered by electricity, gas, or a hybrid version.
However, gas tanks are more expensive and require professional installation. But it will use less energy than an electric heater, saving you money yearly.
They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one to fit into a smaller space. You should determine the capacity based on how big your home is and how many people live there. If you only have two people in your home, you could get away with about 23 gallons.
If you have more people in your home, you’ll need one with a larger tank.
These tank water heaters can last ten to fifteen years but need routine maintenance.
Tankless Water Heater
One of the cons of having a tank water heater is that it could easily overflow and damage your floors. However, a tankless water heater is a newer technology that will offer plenty of hot water to your home so you don’t run out.
The way these tanks work is that it has coils that are superheated. These coils fill with water and heat it quickly as you need it. If you have a large family or need a massive amount of hot water at a time, this will be the best style for you.
Like tank water heaters, they come in different sizes. You must hook it up directly to your gas line if you get a larger option. However, they work better in houses that use natural gas to power the heater.
Getting a larger tank that runs on electricity will raise your electricity bill, so weigh the costs and benefits of installing this water heater.
While there’s no tank, you’ll still need to maintain this at least once a year to avoid any corrosion or buildup in the heater. If you keep up with the maintenance, these units can last for about eight to ten years.
Solar Water Heater
A solar water heater is more environmentally friendly than some other options. They work by taking the heat from the sun and transferring that energy into a fluid that runs in a system to the water tank.
While the sun is the energy source for your heater, you can have some energy savings during the summer if you live somewhere sunny. However, during the winter, you might need a backup system to kick in, so you’ll have to pay higher costs then.
Heat Pump Water Heater
A heat pump will take any heat in the air and turn it into water. Because it takes heat out of the air, you’ll need to keep it somewhere that is generally warm.
They use less energy than a standard electric heater as well. They cost more to install, but you’ll get your money back later with lower electricity bills.
Condensing Water Heater
These water heater types take gas fumes your home isn’t using and uses that to heat your water. This means that if your house uses gas as the primary energy source, this will be the perfect water heater for your family.
The water is held in a tank, and the gas fumes are funneled through a coil at the bottom of the tank. The coil will start to heat the water, and it won’t use much energy since it’s reusing already-used gas.
If you have a larger family, you may not want to get this one because the water will take a while to reheat if there aren’t any gas fumes. But for a smaller family, this one will be the perfect option.
There is a tank to clean with this one, and you should also ensure that the valves are cleaned yearly.
Learn More About the Different Types of Water Heaters
These are only a few popular types of water heaters that you could buy, but there are many more popular options.
Choosing an appliance this big for your home is essential, but having an expert’s opinion can always be helpful.
Whether you want advice on your water heater, need someone to repair it, or do routine maintenance, we’re here to help! Make sure that you contact us today!
