A water heater is not something you purchase every day. That is why it’s recommended that you do your research prior to buying one. There are different variations of water heater as technology advances. So, if you want to find the one that suits your need, you are in the right place.
There are five main types of water heater. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks.
- Conventional Storage Tank Water Heater
- Tankless Water Heater
- Heat Pump Water Heater
- Solar Powered Water Heater
- Condensing Water Heater
Conventional Storage Tank Water Heater
This utilizes an insulated storage tank for a readily available heated water. The size of the storage tank determines how much water you have available at once. This is why there’s a possibility that you run out of heated water eventually. Once you run out of water, you will have to wait for the water to heat again. This is the most common type of water heater among homes because of its affordability.
Tankless Water Heater
If you live in an area where the climate is always cold, you would need an unlimited supply of heated water. Instead of a tank, there are superheated coils that heat water quickly as you need it. That being said, it may cost more electrical energy to power up a tankless water heater continuously if you have a large home. But as technology advances, there are tankless water heaters made to be cost-efficient.
Heat Pump Water Heater
This type of water heater utilizes heat in the air and in the ground to heat up water. This means that the electricity’s role is to move heat from the ground or air to the water instead of generating the heat itself. This is why it uses 60 percent less electrical energy than the traditional styles of water heaters. The only downside to this is that you will need an adequate space for the pump.
Solar Powered Water Heater
This style of water heater may be the most energy-efficient as its source would be a roof-mounted solar panel. The energy from the sun is transferred to a closed-loop system containing a heat-conductive material. This can be effective in those areas wherein there is a tropical climate. However, you will need a backup plan in cases where there is no solar energy available.
Condensing Water Heater
This type of water heater uses natural gas as its energy source. The gas fumes funnel through a coil placed at the bottom of the tank to heat the water. This is similar to the tank-style water heater, so you would need to purchase one that is large enough for your family.