A patent for one of the first water heaters was filed in the late 1860s, by an English painter by the name of Benjamin Waddy Maughan.
If it weren’t for the water heater, we would all be taking cold showers every day, which wouldn’t be very pleasant. Choosing a water heater isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are many options and the decision requires you to do a little research.
Don’t worry, we are here to help. We’ve created this guide so you can make an informed decision.
We’re going to talk about the different types of water heaters and the cons and cons of each one. Read on!
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless or instant water heaters are a great option if you don’t have a lot of space in your home. These heaters are ideal if you live in a condo or apartment. While you won’t have to worry about spacing, you also won’t have to worry about running out of hot water.
Another benefit of having a tankless water heater is not a lot of energy is wasted, it only heats the water when it’s needed.
A tankless water heater doesn’t have to be fueled by electricity. It can be powered by natural gas, which tends to be more efficient.
The downside of the tankless option is it’s expensive to purchase. If you have a smaller budget, you may want to consider investing in a different heater.
Tank Water Heaters
One of the most common types of water heaters is a tank heater. This option requires you to have a large tank placed in your home which can take up a lot of space.
The good news is that they are typically hidden in a closet. You don’t have to worry about it being an eyesore in your home. The water is heated in the tank before it comes out of the faucet.
This means you’ll need enough space in your property to house it, so keep that in mind. Tank water heaters can be run by electricity, natural gas, oil, or propane. As cold water enters the tank, it’s heated up to a specific temperature.
Once it’s reached the set temperature, the tank stops heating it. If the hot water isn’t used within a certain amount of time, the heater will turn back on to reheat it.
Traditional tank water heaters are not known for being the more eco-friendly option; however, they are one of the most affordable options. Since it’s one of the more common heaters, you don’t have to worry about there being high installation costs.
Hybrid Option
As a homeowner, you’re likely always looking for ways to save money. Investing in a hybrid water tank is one way to do that.
It’s one of the most energy-efficient water heaters. It uses a combination of a pump system and a tank. It extracts heat from the ground to heat up the water by using a pump system.
While you will be saving a lot of money every month on your utility bill, it is quite expensive to purchase. Another con is that this isn’t a great option if you live in an area with a cold climate as it pulls the warmth from the air and ground.
Solar Water Heaters
If you’re looking to save money on your utility bill in the long run, a solar water heater is one of your best options. Keep in mind, they are more expensive to purchase. However, there are grants and incentives available if you switch to solar energy.
Solar panels are placed on the roof of your home or property and collect energy from the sun’s rays. This energy is then used to heat up the water in the tank.
It’s similar to a traditional water heater, the main difference between there’s no electricity or natural gasses required to heat the water. It’s important to note that solar water heaters don’t work in every climate and may not be ideal depending on where you live.
Condensing Water Heater
Condensing water heaters are going to be very similar to traditional tank heaters; however, they are much more energy-efficient. They also have lower operating costs.
In order to heat up the water, this tank uses unused gas fumes. These heaters are great for homes that use natural gas all year long. This option is going to have a high upfront cost than a traditional water tank, but you will notice a significantly different in your bill each month.
Things To Consider
When deciding which type of water heater to purchase, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. There are some water tanks that are more expensive to install but save you money on your bill. There are others that are cheaper but they aren’t as energy-efficient, therefore you’ll have a high utility bill.
You’ll also need to consider how much hot water you need every day. The last thing you want is for your shower to go cold while you’re rinsing the shampoo out of your hair.
Durability and lifespan are other factors to think about too. A water heater is an investment that you want to last a long time.
Types of Water Heaters
Being a homeowner isn’t always easy. There are always tasks to complete and decisions to be made.
Choosing between the different types of water heaters is just another item on the list. As you can see, there are many options and it’s important to choose one that is right for you.
What worlds for your friend or for your neighbor may not be ideal for you. While the decisions and be overwhelming, we hope this article made the decision easier for you.
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