Water heaters are familiar home appliances that offer the convenience of boiling water to the modern household to bathe, do laundry, or wash dishes.
The changes in energy policy and increasing dependence on renewable energy sources are some factors influencing the market growth of water heaters. However, as more American households replace old water heaters, it has become essential for people to know more about water heaters and how they work.
Types Of Water Heaters
There are four main types of residential water heaters, each with its benefits and detriments. Here, we will look at different water heaters for a better understanding of these appliances, and how they work.
Storage Tank Water Heaters
Conventional storage-tank water heaters are the most common type of water heating system. As the name implies, the storage tank type has a tank that it uses to hold water to be heated.
They insulate the tanks to keep the water warm. However, the tank capacity determines the volume of hot water you can get at a particular time. So if your tank is too small, you are likely to run out of hot water quickly.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water directly without a storage tank, instead, it uses a gas burner or an electric element to heat water that travels through a pipe. On-demand water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water, though; it has a limited flow rate.
Gas-fired tankless water heaters produce higher flow rates than electric ones. But typically, tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 7.6–15.2 liters per minute.
Hybrid Water Heaters
Hybrid water heaters are also called heat pumps. They are unique because it uses heat from the air and the ground to heat water. This means that electricity is only used to move heat from the ground or air to the water, instead of using electricity to generate heat.
Heat pump water heaters use 60 percent less electricity, which means they are about two times more energy-efficient than conventional water heaters.
Because the pump is on the top, you may need more room for this water heater, sometimes up to eight feet of vertical clearance.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heater systems are a cost-effective way to generate boiling water for your home.
The solar water heater includes a storage tank and solar collectors. A solar-powered water heater enables you to source energy from the sun through roof-mounted solar panels. The energy is transferred to a closed-loop system containing a heat-conductive material, which then heats the water in the tank.
However, experts advise that you have a backup plan, such as natural gas or electricity, so that the water heater can continue to run on cold-freezing days.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Each Type?
- Storage tank water heaters are quite affordable, and they are easy to install. However, the downside is that this kind of heater holds a limited volume of water at a time.
- Tankless water heaters come in various sizes, and they are incredibly energy efficient because they only heat water on demand. However, the initial cost of purchasing a tankless water heater is much more than that of the common types, and it may also require a larger gas line or more power capacity to run effectively.
- Hybrid water heaters are incredibly energy efficient and, therefore, can be incredibly cost-efficient in the long run. However, because this water heater style relies on pulling heat from the ground or air around it, it will not work very well in chilly spaces like basements or in climates where it is excessively cold for long periods throughout the year. It is also one of the most expensive types of water heaters to purchase.
- Solar water heaters are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. With this type, you can save a lot of money every month on electricity. Notwithstanding, solar water heaters are expensive and mostly unfavorable in freezing weather.
Maintaining Water Heaters
Maintaining your water heater is essential to extending the lifespan of your water heater.
With proper maintenance, you can minimize the likelihood of breakdowns, and enhance the overall energy-efficiency of your water heater, which reduces your energy expenses.
Some maintenance activities include; making regular inspections to examine if your water heater isn’t developing any fault yet. For instance, it is not uncommon for water heaters to make noise. Minimizing noise from your heater starts with proper and regular inspection. To catch potential issues early. It is important to clean your water heater out yearly. This will allow you to flush the interior of the tank and remove the buildup of sediment.
For tankless water heaters, you will need to replace the air intake filters. These filters keep debris from entering the heater, allowing it to continue functioning effectively.
You can insulate your tank. However, above all, consult a professional for regular introspection when you notice anything unusual like leakages, noise, or poor functionalities.
Consider Energy Efficiency
Heating water requires a lot of electricity. According to the United States energy information report, roughly 12 percent of an average home’s energy consumption is spent on heating water.
If you are considering a water heater, it is best to know how much energy your water heater will consume, although this largely depends on the type of water heater you install. Nevertheless, energy-efficient water heaters are safer for the environment and economical for you.