A water heater is a plumbing appliance used in every home to convert incoming cold water from the water supplier into hot water for later use. Dishwashers, bathroom plumbing fixtures, and washing machines all rely on water heaters to complete the tasks they were designed to do. When installing a new water heater, there are several types from which to choose, and this article will provide pertinent information to help you make the best choice.
In the article, we will examine the four main types of water heaters in use today and explain how they work. We will look at their particular maintenance requirements and list their advantages and disadvantages to educate you about your options.
Types
As stated, we will review four commonly used water heaters: traditional tank-style heaters, tankless heaters, heat pump-style heaters, and solar water heaters.
Traditional Water Heater
A traditional water heater is the most commonly installed heater in the US because it is cost-effective and can store large amounts of hot water to meet the demands of any family if properly sized.
Traditional heaters heat incoming cold water using natural gas, propane, electricity, or oil. Gas heaters are installed more frequently despite being more expensive. Their initial costs are higher because they require a gas line and special venting to exhaust toxic fumes, similar to those powered by propane and oil. However, they cost far less than electric and oil-powered units to operate, making them a far more popular choice.
As the water enters the heater’s storage tank, the heating element is activated. The stored water is warmed until an internal sensor detects that it has reached the temperature set on the thermostat, at which point the heating element turns off. Then, as hot water is called for at the tap, it is transported via the hot water supply line. At the same time, more cold water enters the bottom of the tank to replenish it. This cycle is repeated endlessly during its expected lifespan of between 8 and 12 years.
Tankless Water Heater
As you probably can guess, tankless water heaters provide hot water without the use of a storage tank and instead heat water directly from the main water supply as needed. When a tap is opened, cold water enters the heater, where either an electric heating element or a gas burner ignites and heats the water before it is distributed to a water-using appliance or fixture.
Because they do not store water, the need to heat and then reheat standby water, as occurs with tank-style heaters, is eliminated, cutting down on wasted energy. Also eliminated is the fear of a rusted and exploding storage tank flooding the basement!
Tankless heaters are powered by gas or electricity and will produce unlimited hot water at a rate of between 3 and 5 gallons per minute. If a higher flow rate is needed, multiple tankless heaters can be installed, each dedicated to a single hot water-using appliance such as a washing machine, thus fulfilling the “on-demand” title it carries.
Heat Pump Water Heater
This type of heater is best suited for areas where the temperatures remain between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. These systems do not generate heat like traditional and tankless models; instead, they use a heat transfer process to move already existing heat from the outdoor air or the ground to heat the water with the power of electricity. Although heat pumps use significantly less electric energy to operate than traditional heaters, their upfront costs are significantly higher, making them a less chosen option.
Solar Heater
Of all the types of heaters discussed in this article, solar heaters are the most expensive to purchase and install, but by taking advantage of the sun’s power, they can be considered an almost cost-free hot water source. Solar panels and a storage tank produce and house hot water for future use. In cooler climates, a gas or electric-powered backup system may be needed, especially if the sky should become cloudy for an extended period of time.
Maintenance Requirements
As you will see, these water heaters all have different maintenance requirements, with some more demanding than others. To ensure you receive the maximum performance from your water heater, professional maintenance is a must!
Traditional Water Heater Maintenance
Yearly inspections should be conducted to flush the tank of sediment buildup that could affect the heating element and leave behind a noisy and ill-functioning heater. Tank-style heaters are equipped with a sacrificial anode rod to attract hard water sediments and protect the tank, so the rod should also be examined at the time of the inspection and replaced if necessary.
During the inspection, electrical connections and the temperature and pressure relief valve will be examined to guard against excessive pressure and overheated water. A yearly inspection will also include testing the accuracy of the thermostat so consistent water temperatures are maintained and the fear of scalding is eliminated.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
A tankless heater requires far less maintenance than a tank-style heater, but the filters do need to be cleaned, and the system descaled to remove sediment and limescale buildup. Often, a water softener is paired with a tankless water heater, so hard water minerals that lead to scaling and sediment accumulation are reduced.
Heat Pump Water Heater Maintenance
Like the tankless type, heat pump water heaters need to be cleaned to remove sediment and lime deposits. An inspection will also include evaluating the condensate line for blockages and cleanliness, cleaning the condenser coil, and testing the temperature and pressure relief valve.
Solar Water Heater Maintenance
The solar panels in this system are called solar collector tubes, which should be washed and cleaned, and the glass covering should be replaced yearly. The controller responsible for initiating the backup heat should be tested, and the storage tank should be emptied and flushed.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Each of these four types of water heaters has its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing these factors will help in deciding which system best suits a homeowner’s needs.
Traditional Water Heater Advantages
There are reasons why a tank-style heater has remained the overwhelming first choice among homeowners. Here, we will explain why.
Flexibility
Tank-style heaters are flexible in that many sizes can be purchased depending on your home’s hot water needs. The size of the home, the number of occupants, and your particular way of using hot water influence the heater’s size. Available in up to 100-gallon tanks, these heaters can provide virtually unlimited hot water for even the highest demands.
Affordability
This type of heater has a long life compared to its relative cost and, especially if gas-powered, runs reliably with low operating costs. If properly maintained, these heaters have an expected service life of between 8 and 12 years.
Reliability
Tank-style water heaters offer a long life of reliable hot water service in all types of weather conditions in all areas of the country. They have been the gold standard in the water heater industry and still claim that position.
Traditional Water Heater Disadvantages
Although they are popular choices, they still have some disadvantages which need to be considered.
Hard Water Damage
One downside to tank-style heaters is the effect hard water has on their components. Sediment buildup can cause inconsistent temperatures and, if especially encumbered, lead to exploding tanks and flooding. Installing a water softener can help reduce the effects of hard water on tank-style heaters.
Energy Loss
Additionally, the need to continuously heat standby water makes these heaters less efficient than other types. Even if you are away from home for several weeks, the heater will keep the water in the tank hot so it is ready when needed, wasting energy.
Space
Traditional heaters require much more floor space because they utilize a storage tank. This is a drawback in smaller homes, apartments, or multi-unit buildings with limited available floor space.
Tankless Water Heater Advantages
Tankless heaters already have an advantage over traditional heaters because they require minimal space, even allowing them to be installed in a small closet or kitchen cabinet. Here are a few additional benefits to this type of system.
Energy Efficiency
Because tankless heaters only heat what is immediately needed, they use less energy, which keeps utility bills under control.
Endless Hot Water
Imagine never having to run out of hot water again. That is the benefit of a tankless system, which continuously heats water as needed with a never-ending supply. Now, that is peace of mind!
Longevity
When maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, tankless water heaters will far outlast a tank-style system by two to one. This means you can expect the tankless heater to have more than 20 years of service life.
Tankless Water Heater Disadvantages
These space-saving, energy-efficient water heaters do have a few limitations and may not be ideal for households that have heavy demands for hot water during certain times of the day or for large families. Here, we discuss the potential disadvantages of a tankless water heater.
Limited Flow Rate
Tankless heaters provide unlimited hot water on demand, but the amount of water delivered is limited. Thus, when users are simultaneously demanding hot water, the system may fail to keep up. A solution to this flow rate issue is to install multiple heaters so that maximum demands can be met.
High Upfront Costs
The cost of purchasing and installing a tankless system is higher than traditional heaters, but its long life and increased energy efficiency may create sufficient savings to offset this initial cost.
Specialized Venting
Gas-powered systems typically require expensive stainless steel venting to exhaust gases from the outdoors. Even those that run on electricity will need PVC venting, which is an additional installation cost.
Heat Pump Water Heater Advantages
These types of water heaters do not generate heat but instead rely on a refrigerant cycle to transfer already existing heat from the surrounding air or ground to the water heater’s storage tank. This transfer of heat gives these heaters advantages over other types.
Energy Efficiency
Because these heaters use already existing heat rather than creating new heat using fossil fuels they are far more energy efficient than electric or gas traditional heaters. This calculates into hundreds of dollars in savings on utility bills each year.
Eco-Friendly
Other types of heaters generate toxic exhaust gases and pose a threat of a gas leak. Heat pump water heaters eliminate these two issues, thus reducing their impact on the environment.
Tax Advantages
Heat pump heaters qualify for tax rebates beginning in 2023. Up to $2000 per year, thirty percent of the purchase and installation costs can be deducted. In addition, local utilities may offer rebates to encourage buyers to choose a heat pump system.
Heat Pump Water Heater Disadvantages
Although these modern heaters offer many advantages, some drawbacks need to be considered before purchasing a heat pump water heater.
High Upfront Costs
The purchase price of these heaters is high, and although they save money each month using the heat pump technology, many homeowners simply cannot afford the purchase price.
Cold Climate Limitations
Because heat pump heaters use already-existing heat to heat water, they are not as efficient when the climate is cold, as there is less heat available. Those living in generally cold areas of the country may be better off steering away from heat pump heaters.
Space Requirements
Heat pump heaters require a fair amount of space for installation, both to accommodate their components and to provide adequate air from which to extract heat. These types of heaters are not recommended for small homes or those who do not have a substantially sized dedicated space.
Solar Water Heater Advantages
Imagine using the power of the sun to heat your hot water! This ingenious approach to supplying hot water is advantageous for several reasons.
Free Hot Water
There is no other type of system that provides hot water year-round for free. Solar rays convert thermal energy into warm water, which is then stored in an outdoor storage tank or collected using solar thermal energy collectors. Whatever the collection method, the hot water is cost-free.
Eco- Friendly
Solar heaters can be 100% powered by renewable resources, although a backup system may be needed in some situations. Generally, these heaters do not generate greenhouse emissions that harm the environment, making them a good choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Solar Water Heater Disadvantages
Similar to all the types of heaters discussed in this article, a solar heater has a few disadvantages that may influence whether this system is a good match for your home.
Climate Dependent
These systems are not ideal for every home. If cloudy and rainy days are the norm, a solar heater should not be an option. In other, more agreeable climates, a backup system can be installed to ensure available hot water, regardless of the weather.
High Upfront Costs
Similar to heat pump heaters, solar heaters are expensive to purchase and install. This is magnified if a backup system or energy from the grid is mandatory.
Space Requirements
When installing a solar water heating system, ample roof, and indoor space are needed to house the various components. Not every home can accommodate these requirements, and professional calculations should be made to determine if this is an option for you.
Looking For An Experienced And Knowledgable Plumber To Install A Water Heater?
Regardless of the type you select, ensuring a well-functioning water heater will require expertise and experience from a professional plumber. They will be able to guide you through the decision-making process to help you make the best choice to meet your hot water needs.
We offer outstanding service, focusing on our customers’ safety, comfort, and satisfaction. We work hard to provide well-thought-out solutions while considering their concerns. Please give us a call, and together, we can map out a plan to bring you a hot water supply system that is right for you and your family!
