If it's time to install a new water heater, you need to be aware of all the choices that are available. There is no reason to stick with the same old style of heater if it isn't the best suited to your needs.
1. Conventional Tank Heater
The conventional tank heater is what most people are used to. It consists of a large holding tank that water flows into. The water is heated via gas or electricity and held until you need to use it. There are some drawbacks. First, the water must be held at the desired temperature, which uses quite a bit of energy. There is also the risk of water damage if the tank ruptures. Choosing an energy-efficient heater and scheduling regular maintenance helps avoid these concerns.
2. Tankless Heater
Tankless water heaters only heat up water when you need it, so there is no need for a holding tank. You tend to get hot water more quickly from a tankless heater compared to a conventional one and tankless heaters are much more energy-efficient. The main issue is with capacity. You may need to install multiple heaters if you have a large home, multiple floors, or if there is a high demand for hot water in your home.
3. Point-Of-Use Heater
A point-of-use heater is also sometimes referred to as an under-sink heater. These are basically small tankless heaters that are designed to serve only a single tap. They are most often installed in the kitchen, either on the sink so you have instant hot water when washing dishes, or at a separate "pot filler" tap to make filling cooking pots easier. The only drawback is their limited uses.
4. Heat Pump Water Heater
Many people are familiar with heat pumps for cooling or heating a home, but the same technology can also be used to heat water. These energy-efficient water heaters use heat drawn from the air or ground to heat the water. The hot water is held in a tank where its temperature is maintained by the heat pump. Unfortunately, it is not well suited to cold climates simply because there is not enough heat for it to draw on. Some models are hybrid, which means they run off gas or electricity when the heat pump is unable to properly heat the water.
Contact plumbing contractors service in your area for more help in choosing the right hot water heater for your needs.
Share27 December 2020
My homes have always had either copper or PVC plumbing pipes. But when my plumbing system needed an overhaul last spring, I wanted a piping system for my home that I could work on myself when needed. There were a lot of good reasons to choose PEX piping, but my favorite thing about the PEX piping is that it's easy to work with, even if you're a beginner like me. Now I can make small repairs myself instead of calling the plumber every time I have a minor leak or other small problem. I still call the plumber for the big stuff, but it's more affordable now that I can take care of small issues myself. I started this blog to help others learn how they, too, can do DIY plumbing repairs at home.