If hot water is inconsistant, utility bills seem higher, or the water heater is no longer meeting household standards, it may be time for an upgrade. Not only does a new water heater improve reliability and performance, but it could save money in the long run as well.
With new heating models, selecting the ideal one can seem overwhelming. Don’t fret, this guide covers everything you need to know about choosing water heaters to help you make the best informed decision for your home.
Types of Water Heaters
There are is a multitude of different varieties available when it comes to water heaters, so it is important to first analyze your household size, water consumption, and budget. This will allow you to select the most appropriate type. Fuel expenses, costs, and overall efficiency will be discussed later.
Storage Tank Water Heater:
This variety is by far the most common found in residential structures. The unit has a storage tank that keeps a specific amount of water at a certain temperature, allowing it to be accessed at any time. Once the tank is empty, it refills and the water is heated and stored.
Advantages:
Affordable as a primary investment
Maintenance is hassle free
Comes in various sizes to suit different families’ needs
Disadvantages:
Energy lost while the water heater is idle (heat loss occurs when the heater is not functioning)
Hot water supply is limited to a certain volume
Tankless Water Heaters
Also referred to as on-demand water heaters, tankless water heaters heat water as it is being used, which eliminates the need for a storage tank.
Advantages:
No standby heatloss, making it far more efficient
Continuous supply of hot water
Takes less space than traditional designs
Disadvantages:
Requires a larger investment up front
Potential upgrades to the electrical system or the gas supply may be needed
Heat Pump Water Heaters (Hybrid Water Heaters)
These types of water heaters work by using a heat pump to move heat from the surrounding air or ground using electricity to heat water. These qualifiy as highly efficient water heaters.
Advantanges:
Reduced operating costs
Friendly towards the environment
Disadvantages:
High upfront cost
Needs to be located in a warmer place to be most efficient
Solar Water Heaters
While there isn’t as much coverage, solar water heaters help lower electricity bills by harnessing solar energy to heat water. They are ideal for installment in sunny climates and are commonly comprised of a solar collector and a storage tank.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Can save you a lot on energy bills
Cons:
- Initial purchase is expensive
- Depend on weather
- Condensing Water Heaters
They are great for homes that rely on natural gas. Unlike standard gas water heaters, they are capable of heating water with lost heat from venting systems.
Pros:
- Use efficiently by households with high demand
- Lower operational charges
Cons:
- Limited to certain regions only
- Not appropriate for low-demand households
Considerations To Make When Buying A Water Heater
Not all water heaters are appropriate for all homes. However, here are some key pointers to aid in identifying what’s most suitable to your needs:
Household Size And Hot Water Requirements
Determine how much water in a day is likely to be consumed. As an example:
- Smaller families will to do just fine with a storage tank water heater.
- Very large families that use a lot of water will benefit from tankless or solar heaters.
Energy Efficiency
If you are trying to save on energy bills, models with higher energy efficiency ratings, like the ones certified by ENERGY STAR, will be your best bet. There are good energy saving options, such as tankless, heat pump, or condensing heaters.
Budget
Keep in mind the initial costs (money spent on purchasing and installing) and the money spent on operating in the long run. Although the purchase and installation of tankless and solar systems are costly, they come packed with savings over time.
Space Considerations
To install, some water heaters need particular space, like storage tank heaters, while other heaters, such as tankless models, are more flexible and can be installed in tighter spaces.
Maintenance Considerations
Heaters such as solar or heat pump models may need further maintenance due to their complexity. When choosing a model, remember to think about the time and money needed for maintenance when deciding.
Fuel Types, Availability, and Their Costs
The type of fuel a water heater uses greatly impacts its cost, performance, and efficiency. Here are some fuel types of choice:
Electric
Electric heaters are some of the easiest to get, and their installation is relatively simple. The initial cost of electric water heaters is very low, but higher electricity costs can lead to more expensive operations as compared to gas heaters.
Best suitable for:
Those living in places without accessibility to natural gas
Having homes with considerably lesser requirements of hot water
Natural Gas and Propane
With their affordable power source, gas-powered water heaters are some of the cheapest models to operate. They also tend to heat water at a higher speed as compared to electric.
Best suited for:
- Homes populated with a lot of residents and a high need for hot water
- Regions that do not have natural gas or have it at a very low price
Water heaters that rely on solar energy are the most eco-friendly option when it comes to sun powered devices as they solely use renewable energy sources. However, the effectiveness can be limited due to a lack of sufficient sunlight.
Best suited for:
- Eco-conscious households
- Homes located in areas with sunnier climates
Geothermal and heat pumps
These heaters also result in great savings when it comes to fuel. Geothermal heaters, on the other hand, are best suited for areas with cheaper electricity, or places where there are already existing geothermal systems.
Best suited for:
- Homes located in warmer or moderate climates
- Households that wish to cut back on long-term energy costs
Comparing Fuel Costs and Water Heater Types
Compare fuel expenses alongside water heater efficiency for a more informed decision. Data proves gas powered water heaters offer lower operating expenses compared to electric ones, but this varies depending on the area.
Estimated Operating Costs:
- Storage Tank (Gas): $200–$400/year
- Storage Tank (Electric): $600–$800/year
- Tankless (Gas): $150–$250/year
- Heat Pump Water Heater: $150–$300/year
- Solar Water Heater: $0–$150/year based on sunlight levels
Yearly expenses can be greatly reduced over time with solar heaters and low-cost, energy-efficient models such as heat pumps. However, they do come with high upfront costs.
Which Water Heater is Right for You?
In buying a water heater, consider your household requirements, budget, as well as your goals. Here s a summary of important points to remember:
A storage tank heater, either electric or gas, is a decent option if upfront cost is the greatest consideration.
If you have high efficiency and consistent hot water needs, investing in a tankless or condensing model will do wonders.
Want to do some good for the environment? A solar or heat pump model would suffice.
Whatever the choice is, upgrading a water heater is a must investment in your home comfort and energy efficiency.
Take the Next Step in Upgrading Your Home
Transform your home into a more eco-friendly space by upgrading to a new water heater. With a bit of research regarding the types and fuel options, you can find what best matches your needs.
If you’re ready to make the next move, speak to a professional installer or nearby supplier and find out which models are ideal for your home. And while you’re at it, check for energy efficient rebates or tax incentives.systems in your area!
