Are you someone who enjoys taking a hot shower after long exhausting days? Then it’s time to educate yourself about the many types of water heaters, which are likely the hardest-working appliance in your home.
But it’s understandable that you don’t know anything about heaters; after all, you’ll probably only buy one or two in your entire life. But what if, after all those years of devoted service, your water heater breaks down and you need to buy a new one?
So, at that point, familiarity with the many varieties of water heaters is required. Knowing this will make it easier for you to choose one that is both affordable and energy efficient, with the latter being a crucial criterion if you want to keep your electricity bills low.
There are numerous varieties available, including electric water heaters, solar water heaters, on-demand water heaters, conventional water heaters, storage tank water heaters, gas water heaters, tankless water heating systems, and high-efficiency water heaters.
If you’re seeking to purchase a new water heater for your house and are unsure of your alternatives, you’ve come to the right place.
Five Different Types of Water Heaters
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Conventional tank water heater
This is the most common type of water heater and is most likely the one you are most familiar with.
What exactly is a conventional tank water heater?
This kind of water heater has a tank where the water that will be heated is kept. This means that how much hot water you have on hand at once depends on the tank’s capacity. The water is kept warm until it is needed thanks to the insulation in the tank, which helps it to do so.
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The most common and straightforward water heater design, this one is also quite simple to install.
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Tankless Water Heater (On-Demand Water Heater)
Modern technology is used in the “tankless” water heater, which can provide your home with practically limitless hot water.
What is a tankless water heater?
As you might have guessed, a tankless water heater lacks a tank. It is alternatively known as an on-demand water heater because it uses super-heated coils that fill with water and heat water quickly as needed. Even for large families who want a lot of hot water at once, this method is excellent for swiftly boiling water.
Uses:
Because they only heat water when it is needed and do not keep heated water on hand all day, tankless water heaters are very energy-efficient. You will always have access to an endless supply of hot water, provided you get a model that is big enough for your household.
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Heat Pump Water Heater (Hybrid Water Heater)
Because this hybrid water heater doesn’t produce heat directly, it can assist reduce the cost of electricity.
How do heat pump/hybrid water heaters work?
This particular type of water heater is distinctive in that it heats water using both surface and subsurface heat sources. As opposed to the alternative, when electricity is used to generate heat, electricity is merely utilized to transfer heat from the ground or air to the water.
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Because of how energy-efficient this water heater is, it may also prove to be quite cost-effective in the long run.
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A solar water heater
With a solar-powered water heater, you can use the sun’s energy. If you currently have solar panels or are thinking about getting them, this is a fantastic idea.
What exactly is a solar water heater?
This type of water heater, which gets its power from solar panels put on the roof, maybe the most energy-efficient of them all. The heat-conductive substance in the closed loop system, which also contains the energy, heats the water in the tank.
This works especially well for people who live in warm, sunny climates and can save a lot of money on bright days. To ensure that the water heater can function even on overcast days, this system frequently needs a backup source of gas or power.
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Since these water heaters use extremely little energy, they are also incredibly environmentally friendly. If you let the sun provide the majority of the power for your water heater, you can save a tonne of money each month on electricity.
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Condensing Water Heater
This water heater heats water by using leftover gas fumes from your house.
An explanation of condensing water heaters
If natural gas is the main energy source in your family’s house, the condensing water heater can be your best bet. Similar to the typical water heater, this form of water heater holds the water in a tank and heats it using hot exhaust from the natural gas line.
To heat the water, the gas fumes pass via a coil that is positioned at the bottom of the tank. As a result, only gas that has previously been consumed elsewhere, like in your oven or heater, is utilized to heat the water for your home.
Since it is a tank-style water heater, you must make sure to get one big enough for your household.
Uses:
For families who use natural gas to heat their homes, this variant is typically the most energy-efficient option. Since this type of water heater typically necessitates a larger tank, there is typically plenty of water to go around.
Which Water Heater Types Are Ideal for You?
There is a water heater available to meet your demands, regardless of whether you’re searching for an energy-efficient heater, one that provides you with an uninterrupted flow of hot water, or one that is reasonably priced.
You can choose the best water heater for your needs by being aware of the different types available—thanks to our primer, you’ll never again be confused by the differences between a condensed heater and a combi heater!
See also: How to Get Subsidies for Solar Water Heaters
Final Reflections
Knowing the benefits of each type of hot water heater will help you choose the one that will serve you best when you go to buy a new one. The amount of hot water the heater must generate to fulfil your family’s daily needs is one factor to take into account. Make sure to include both the annual operating costs of the water heater as well as its initial cost and installation when comparing the various costs of each type.