Choosing the Best Type of Water Heater for Your Family
Though water heater benefits can be overlooked, they provide substantial aid in hot showers, dishwashers, and washing machines, to name a few. Hot water is essential to living a comfortable life but choosing the right one can be quite hectic. This is because there are numerous types and models to choose from.
If your water heater requires replacement or you need to install a new one, understanding different models in the market will provide a head start. In addition, evaluate your needs, energy efficiency, and budget before settling on one. Read on to familiarize yourself with five top-tier water heater options best for your family.
Conventional Water Heater
Also called traditional storage-tank water heaters, this option is one of the most common in the market and widely utilized. Conventional water heaters have two types; natural and electric. They function by heating and storing water until when needed. After using the water, the tank is filled with cold water and heated until you need it again.
Storage-tank water heaters have different sizes ranging between 12 to 80 gallons. You can choose the desired size based on your family size and needs. The downside of conventional water heaters is that they take time to heat water after you use them.
Tankless Water Heater
They are also called on-demand or instant water heaters and offer more benefits than conventional water heaters. The good thing about instant water heaters is that they utilize energy when turned on rather than continuously, as seen in conventional ones. Thus, it is a good option for reducing energy and costs.
Other advantages of tankless water heaters are that they have an endless hot water supply, occupy less space, and have a relatively long lifespan. However, their upfront cost is way higher than most standard water heaters.
Heat Pump Water Heater
Heat pumps are used for cooling and heating purposes although you can also use them as stand-alone water heating systems. The good thing about heat pump water heaters is that they are more energy efficient. This is because they do not use direct heat generation but electricity to move heat from one place to another.
Nonetheless, you will not experience the utmost efficiency of heat pump water heaters when living in cold areas. This is because they depend on external sources of heat. They are also relatively more expensive than other water heating systems.
Solar Water Heater
If you are looking for an alternative but energy-efficient source of energy, solar water heaters are the way to go. It is an eco-friendly option that captures heat using solar panel cells and is transferred to the tank to heat the water. Solar water heaters depend on sunlight, so they are mostly applicable in areas that receive adequate sunlight year-round. Maintenance of the parts can also be quite a hassle.
Condensing Water Heater
They are also referred to as condensing boilers, and these are gas-fueled water heaters that utilize the "condensing technology." This makes them more energy efficient than most standard water heaters. A Condensing water heater's efficiency is also attributed to the preheating of incoming water by the "waste gas" from the flue gas. The flue gas condenses into a liquid during extraction, hence the name 'condensing water heater.'
Get the Best Water Heater for Your Needs
Choosing the best water heater ensures you have a smooth life all year round. You will have adequate and reliable hot water to execute every family's needs. Based on your budget, needs, and where you reside, these options will guide you on one that suits your family.
A R Engh Heating & Air Conditioning provides local, eco-friendly HVAC, Plumbing, and drainage services for homes and businesses. Reach out to A R Engh if you need a water heater repair or replacement.
