Many different water heater types exist, including traditional tank storage units and energy-efficient models. Operating and purchasing costs may vary depending on your chosen style and fuel source. Learn more about the differences between these types to find the right one for your home.
Point-of-Use Water Heaters
A point-of-use water heater is a small tank or tankless system that heats and stores water at specific locations in your home. It helps eliminate the long wait time for hot water to reach the shower and kitchen sink faucets. They can be electric or gas. When a tap is turned on, these units begin working immediately. There will still be a short delay because the water has to travel from the heater and through your home’s plumbing, but this waiting time is far faster than that of traditional heaters. There are many different brands of point-of-use water heaters on the market today. Regardless of your choice, they’re typically smaller than whole-home tank or tankless models and are easy to install for the DIYer. However, it would help if you had a licensed professional install residential water heaters San Francisco CA, to ensure that it has the right capacity for these units.
Tank-Style Water Heaters
Conventional tank-style water heaters heat water in an insulated tank that is kept there until needed. They are the most affordable option and the best choice for households with a predictable usage pattern. A good Rheem or Ruud gas model has an impressive efficiency rating, is ENERGY STAR rated and comes with a high-tech user-interface tool to provide detailed system diagnostics. Depending on your family size and hot water demands, you’ll want to choose a medium or large-capacity model. Tank-style water heaters simultaneously accommodate multiple hot water applications – run both showers and do laundry simultaneously or take long baths without running out of hot water. They also have a lower upfront cost and simple maintenance. Premium models have digital displays and features like vacation mode that save energy while you’re away. They also have easy-to-use dials to adjust the temperature setting.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters (also called on-demand) provide an endless hot water supply by heating water as it flows through the system. These units run on gas, propane or electricity, eliminating standby energy losses. When a faucet is turned on, a sensor detects the water flow and activates the unit’s heat exchanger to bring it to temperature rapidly. It means you can get a hot shower or load of laundry started seconds after turning on the tap.
To choose the right size unit for your home, consider how much hot water you use daily. Then, figure out how many hot water fixtures you have and their combined peak demands. For instance, a house with three showers and one washing machine might have a peak demand of 6 gallons per minute. Also, check a unit’s flow rate and temperature rise capabilities to ensure it can keep up with your household demand. Proper installation and annual maintenance are important for tankless water heaters.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters use free, renewable energy from the sun to heat your home’s water. They come in a variety of configurations for different climates and latitudes. They differ in design, efficiency and price, but they all replace many of the electric and natural gas used to heat water. Passive thermosyphon and active direct and indirect systems are the two primary varieties of solar water heaters. Active indirect methods have a closed-loop system where a heat transfer fluid, usually antifreeze, circulates through the collectors and pipes. These systems are good for cold climates as they can provide freeze protection but are more expensive than direct solar heating systems. Passive thermosyphon systems have metal flat plate collectors on your roof that preheat the water before it enters your existing tank or instantaneous heater. These systems work well in warm climates but can be subject to thermal loss and freezing issues.