Your water heater is used every day, so it is crucial to find the right type for your home’s comfort. So many variables go into ensuring you have the water heater that works best for your household, especially when there are 6 main types of water heaters available. Looking for the right water heater means you have to consider all kinds of factors like energy efficiency, cost savings, comfort and convenience, house space, safety, maintenance/repair needs, longevity and reliability, and compatibility in your home. These factors should help determine the water heater that best suits your home’s comfort level.
With all the different types of water heaters available, it’s essential to consider energy efficiency and environmental impact. You want to save on utility bills with an energy-efficient model water heater. Choosing an energy-efficient water heater offers numerous benefits, including significant cost savings, reduced environmental impact, improved performance, access to financial incentives, increased home value, extended lifespan, and enhanced comfort.
Below, we walk you through the different types of water heaters and how they are used for home comfort.
Exploring the Different Types of Water Heaters
Water heaters all do one thing: heat the water in your home, but did you know that many types work differently? There are tank, tankless, heat pump, solar, condensing, and combi boiler water heaters. Your comfort level, household, and energy source (gas or electric) lead to what type of water heater you should have in your home. All types provide different benefits for your home, and some of the water heaters below may not be compatible with your home due to fuel sources like gas or electricity.
Tank Water Heaters
A conventional tank water heater works when cold water enters the bottom of the tank, is heated by either gas or electric elements, and rises to the top for use. Tank water heaters are relatively affordable and easy to install in your home. They can accommodate different household needs, with sizes ranging from 40 – 80 gallons. When maintaining your traditional tank water heater, you will want to flush and remove sediment and replace the anode rod on a regular basis. If a tank water heater is what you need for your home, they are ideal for medium to large homes and households that have higher hot water usage.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters work when water is heated and instantly flows through the unit. When a hot water top is turned on, cold water travels through a heat exchanger, which is heated by either gas or electric elements. The benefits of tankless water heaters include endless hot water, sleek design, and smart technology. Tankless water heaters are also highly energy efficient by providing an unlimited hot water supply, and they only heat water when needed, reducing energy loss. You will also notice a longer lifespan with tankless because it heats the water as needed, reducing sediment buildup. Tankless water heaters are ideal for small to medium-sized homes and homes with intermittent hot water usage, as they provide hot water on demand.
Hybrid Water Heaters
Hybrid water heaters are also known as heat pump water heaters. A hybrid water heater is more efficient than a standard electric tank water heater. They can help you save money on your electric bills. Plus, heat pump water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank water heaters and can last 10-15 years. Like conventional tank water heaters, they are ideal for medium to large-sized homes that use consistent water. You will benefit from the steady and efficient operation/delivery of hot water. Logan Services doesn’t yet provide heat pump water heaters, but we would love to discuss the best water heating options for your home.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters are also an option for your home. They provide benefits such as long-term energy savings, no greenhouse gas emissions, low operating costs, and a possible lifespan of 20+ years. They work well for medium to large-sized homes with adequate roof space located in sunny, mild-to-warm climates. At this time, Logan Services is not offering installation on solar water heaters, but our team is happy to answer your questions and walk you through the water heaters we do provide for homeowners.
Condensing Water Heaters
A condensing water heater is a high-efficiency water heating system often exceeding 90% efficiency. Benefits include:
- Lower energy bills.
- Reduced emissions by using fuel more efficiently.
- A consistent hot water supply that is excellent for a household with many bathrooms and people.
Condensing water heaters are great for medium to large-sized homes with a need for consistent hot water. They work well with natural gas or propane fuel types. At this time, the Logan Services team doesn’t install condensing water heaters, but we can discuss the best option for your home and budget.
Combi Boilers
A combi boiler or combination boiler is a compact unit that provides both hot water and home heat. Combi boilers can benefit your home by saving space, lowering installation and operating costs, and reducing leaks and water damage risks. Combi boilers are ideal for small to medium-sized homes because they can meet hot water needs without the need for large storage tanks. Homes with moderate hot water usage would benefit from a combi boiler as they are designed to provide instant hot water for one outlet (shower, faucet). A combi boiler is also great for homes with limited space and homes wanting to be energy efficient. At this time, Logan Services doesn’t provide combi boilers but can provide options for other types of water heaters.
Choosing the Right Size and Type of Water Heater
There are many variables that go into deciding the right size and type of water heater for your home. Things you will want to consider are:
- Hot water needs
- Household size and number of people living in the home
- Peak demand or when your house uses the most water (daytime, nighttime)
- Usage patterns like when you shower or do dishes
- Energy efficiency
- Energy factor rating
- Energy star certification
- Operating costs
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Natural gas
- Propane
- Solar energy
- Heat pump technology
- Space and Installation
- Available space
- Location
- Ventilation needs
- Budget considerations
- Initial costs
- Maintenance costs
- Long-term savings
- Warranty coverage
- Financing/coupons/rebates from Logan Services
As always, when considering all of these factors and determining the right type of water heater for your home, consult a professional. The team at Logan Services has plumbing experts who can help you pick the right type of water heater for your needs and the factors in your home.
Water Heater Maintenance and Longevity
To extend the longevity of your water heater, you will want to have it maintained regularly. Have the sediment flushed from it every year; check the anode rod every 2-3 years, which helps prevent tank corrosion; inspect pressure relief valves, which prevents excessive buildup; do a visual inspection to check for leaks and corrosion and ensure proper ventilation. Some other things you can do to help extend the life of your water heater:
- Install a water softener to reduce the mineral buildup if you have hard water.
- Insulate the tank and pipes to reduce the workload on the heater.
- Reduce wear and tear by installing a timer that turns the water heater off during low-demand times.
- Turn the thermostat down when going on vacation or leaving for an extended period of time.
You want to keep your water heater maintained for proper operation in your home, prevent repairs, and extend its lifespan. Common issues we see with water heaters are leaking from the bottom, inadequate water temperature and pressure, odd noises, discolored water, and foul-smelling water. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to call a Logan Services professional.
We don’t recommend doing water heater repairs yourself to avoid a water emergency. Our highly knowledgeable and trained professionals are happy to come to your home and perform any necessary maintenance or repairs. They can also walk you through when it is time for a water heater replacement.
Which Water Heater Is Right for Your Home?
Ensuring that you have the right water heater for your home is imperative for energy efficiency, reducing costs, ensuring comfort and convenience, maintaining safety, and prolonging the unit’s lifespan. By carefully considering your household’s hot water needs, available space, fuel type, and other factors, you can select a water heater that best suits your requirements and provides reliable service for years to come. The friendly plumbing experts at Logan Services are ready to help with any water heater services you may need. Contact our team today!
FAQs
What type of water heater is the most efficient?
Tankless water heaters are the most efficient in gas water heaters, and hybrid water heaters are the most efficient in electric water heaters. Tankless water heaters are so efficient because energy is only used during actual water consumption, they have precise temperature control, they typically have a longer lifespan, and a lower carbon footprint. Hybrid water heaters are extremely efficient with lower operating costs, reduced carbon footprint, and provide smart controls.
What is the most popular type of water heater?
The most popular type of water heater is conventional storage tank heaters. Conventional water heaters are very popular in homes because they are an affordable option, easy to install, easy to use with a straightforward design, and can work with many different fuel sources.
What type of water heater lasts the longest?
The type of water heater that lasts the longest is a tankless water heater; its lifespan can be 20+ years. Of course, to maintain its longevity, you will want to make sure it is routinely maintained by the plumbing professionals at Logan Services.
