You don’t need us to tell you how essential hot water is to a fully functioning home. You use it to bathe, wash dishes, do laundry. To ensure a consistent and adequate supply of hot water, you’ll need a water heater–easy enough, right? But anybody who’s been on the hunt for a water heater knows just how many types of water heaters for homes are available to today’s homeowners and property owners.
It can be difficult to decide which model will meet your family’s needs, especially if this is your first time shopping for a water heater. When it comes to choosing a water heater for your home, there are many different types to consider. Each type of water heater has its own benefits, so understanding the options is key to making the right choice for your needs.
In this blog, we’ll cover the types of water heaters available for homes, discuss how each works, and help you determine which one is the best fit for you. We’ll also talk about the importance of energy efficiency, maintenance, and water heater installation. Whether you’re building a new home or replacing an older unit, finding the right water heater is essential for comfort and long-term savings.
Understanding Different Types of Water Heaters
Water heaters come in various forms, each with different ways to heat the water. Some are better for large families, while others work well for small homes or those wanting to save on energy costs. Here are the most common types of water heaters:
- Storage Tank Water Heater (Conventional Water Heater)
- Tankless Water Heater
- Hybrid Water Heater (Heat Pump Water Heater)
- Electric Water Heaters
Each option has its pros and cons, and the right one for your home will depend on your household size, energy usage, and budget.
Storage Tank Water Heater (Conventional Water Heater)
A storage tank water heater is the most common type of water heater found in homes. It features an insulated tank where water is heated and stored until it’s needed. These units can run on natural gas or electricity. A gas-powered model heats the water faster, while electric water heaters may take longer but have lower upfront costs.
- How it works: Water enters the tank, is heated by a burner or heating element, and stored until someone uses it. As hot water is used, cold water refills the tank and starts heating up.
- Pros: Less expensive upfront, widely available, easy to maintain.
- Cons: Lower energy efficiency because it continuously heats water, leading to higher utility bills.
- Best for: Homes with a steady but not high supply of hot water needs. If you have a small family or don’t use a lot of hot water, a conventional hot water heater could be a good fit.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater heats water on demand, without the need for a storage tank. When you turn on the hot water, cold water travels through a pipe and is instantly heated by gas or electricity.
- How it works: It uses a high-powered burner or heating element to heat the water as it passes through. Since it doesn’t store hot water, there’s no standby energy loss.
- Pros: More energy-efficient than storage tanks because it only heats water when needed, takes up less space, and has a longer lifespan (up to 15 years or more).
- Cons: Tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront, and their hot water supply may be limited if multiple people are using hot water at the same time.
- Best for: Larger households that use a lot of hot water or homes where space is a concern. A tankless water heater is ideal for reducing energy consumption.
Hybrid Water Heater (Heat Pump Water Heater)
A hybrid water heater, also known as a heat pump water heater, uses electricity to move heat from the air or ground into the water, making it more energy-efficient than traditional models. It’s essentially a cross between a storage tank water heater and an energy-efficient heat pump.
- How it works: The unit extracts heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to the water in the tank. While it runs on electricity, it doesn’t generate heat directly, making it more efficient.
- Pros: Highly energy-efficient, leading to significant savings on utility bills over time.
- Cons: Water heaters are more expensive than other types and require more space due to the heat pump components.
- Best for: Homes in warmer climates where the heat pump can operate efficiently, and those looking to save money on energy bills over time.
Electric Water Heaters
An electric water heater operates similarly to a conventional gas water heater but uses electricity as its power source instead of gas. These are usually more affordable to install but can cost more to run over time.
- How it works: Cold water enters the tank and is heated by an electric heating element. The heated water is stored in the tank until it’s used.
- Pros: Lower upfront costs, easy to install, and don’t require a gas line.
- Cons: Slower heating times compared to gas and can lead to higher energy bills.
- Best for: Homes without access to natural gas or households that prefer using electricity over gas.
Importance of Water Heater Maintenance and Settings
No matter which types of water heaters you choose, regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and long lifespan. Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, reducing efficiency water and leading to potential damage. Flushing your water heater annually can help prevent this.
In addition to maintenance, it’s important to set your water heater’s temperature correctly. The standard heat setting recommended by experts is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature prevents scalding while also keeping energy efficiency in check.
Regular maintenance and proper heat settings will ensure that your water heater lasts as long as possible—up to 15 years for most models.
8 FAQs About Water Heaters
What is the most common type of water heater?
The most common type of water heater is the storage tank water heater (conventional water heater), which stores hot water in a large tank.
How does a tankless water heater work?
A tankless water heater heats water on demand, meaning it only heats water when you turn on the hot water tap. It doesn’t store hot water like a traditional tank heater.
Are electric water heaters more expensive to run than gas water heaters?
Yes, electric water heaters generally cost more to operate over time compared to natural gas water heaters, though they are usually cheaper to install.
What is a hybrid water heater?
A hybrid water heater (or heat pump water heater) uses heat from the air or ground to warm the water, making it more energy-efficient than traditional electric or gas models.
What is the lifespan of a water heater?
Most water heaters work effectively for around 15 years with proper maintenance, though tankless water heaters may last longer.
Do tankless water heaters run out of hot water?
No, tankless water heaters don’t run out of hot water since they heat it on demand. However, they can be overwhelmed if too many people use hot water at once.
How often should I maintain my water heater?
It’s recommended to flush your water heater annually and have a professional check it every couple of years to ensure everything is working efficiently.
Which water heater is best for energy efficiency?
A hybrid water heater or tankless water heater typically offers the best energy efficiency, helping to reduce utility bills over time.
If you’re thinking about replacing your water heater or need advice on which type is best for your home, give Meticulous Plumbing a call today! We’ll take the time to learn about your household’s needs, the size of your home, and other important factors to help you pick the right water heater. From water heater installation to ongoing maintenance, we’ve got you covered!
