As a homeowner or individual responsible for your household’s needs, purchasing a new water heater is a significant decision. Beyond considering energy efficiency, you are crucial in selecting the best water heater for your home and family.
To take the next step, discover what you need regarding fuel source, type of heater, capacity, and water heater size. Near Plumber in this guide will help you make the right decision before you buy a water heater. We’ll also provide tips on choosing the right water heater for your home and family’s needs, considering energy efficiency, cost, and installation requirements.
Water Heater: What type of fuel?
First, you need to discover what type of fuel source your home has. There are differences between electric, natural gas & propane, and hybrid heat pump fuel types.
Electric Water Heater
This type of water heater uses one or two interchangeable heating elements to heat water. They come in energy-efficient variants with capacities ranging from 28 to 100+ gallons. The advantages of tankless water heaters include cheaper upfront expenses, quick installation, and safe operation.
Gas or Propane Water Heaters
These devices use a burner to heat water. The gas unit sizes range from 30 to 100 gallons. One disadvantage of tankless water heaters is that they require more space for air circulation around the unit and must be placed away from flammable things. Gas and propane water heaters are often more costly than electric water heaters.
–Heat Pump or Hybrid Hot Water Heaters
Heat pumps, like electric water heaters, require a dedicated 240-volt connection to function safely. They are intended to heat water using energy from the surrounding air. This type of water heater has a more energy-efficient operation than others and is adaptable in terms of installation since it may be built-in or added on. Tank sizes range from 50 to 80 gallons; therefore, they could be more practical for some smaller locations.
Types of Water Heaters
- Storage Tank Water Heaters
- Tankless or On-Demand Heaters
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters
- Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters5.Propane Tankless Water Heaters
- Point-of-Use or Utility Water Heaters
- Water Heaters for Mobile Homes
- Commercial Water Heaters
Storage Tank
Storage tank water heaters are popular and available in electric, natural gas, and propane types. They heat and store water in an insulated tank. Examine the product label or internet description to determine the estimated annual expenses and energy efficiency. They come in various sizes, may fit into small locations, and are inexpensive to repair. Electric types perform well in all climates, whilst gas and propane units continue to function during power shortages.
Tankless
Tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand rather than storing it, offer a practical and convenient solution. Their energy efficiency and ability to produce hot water when needed make them a reassuring choice for households with minimal hot water requirements.
Tankless heaters conserve space and decrease the danger of leaks by not storing water. However, they are sometimes more expensive upfront and may require the purchase of multiple units for more extensive properties.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Electric tankless water heaters are a forward-thinking choice with their instant hot water and space-saving design. While they may have higher initial costs, their long lifespan and potential for significant savings over time provide an optimistic outlook.
Natural Gas
These small and effective heaters produce up to 11 gallons of hot water per minute. They may be built indoors or outdoors and will not rust or corrode like traditional tanks. Professional installation is advised.
Propane
Liquid propane tankless water heaters operate on existing gas lines and are more efficient than electric versions, delivering more hot water for the same price. They can accommodate two to three appliances simultaneously, allowing you to operate your dishwasher, washing machine, and shower simultaneously. They do not hold water, so you always have fresh, clean, hot water. Professional installation is advised.
Commercial Water Heaters
Businesses that require a lot of hot water, such as restaurants or hotels, employ commercial water heaters. These can be storage tanks or tankless types, with gas heaters being preferable because of their rapid recovery times. Commercial water heaters are designed to handle high demand and can provide a large volume of hot water, making them ideal for businesses with high hot water usage.
Comments are closed