Eventually, the time will come to replace your old water heater, then you will want to choose the best type of water heater system that provides enough water for you and your family. Like anything else, technological advancements in the plumbing industry imply that you have more options than ever when it comes to water heaters. So, how do you decide between the different types of water heaters?
While repairing or replacing your existing water heater is best left to the professional plumbers, 1 job you can and ought to do yourself is selecting the ideal water heater to satisfy the needs of your home and loved ones.
There are countless different types of water heaters to choose from. Our different types of water heaters guide is a great place to start to familiarize yourself with what is out there. Charlotte North Carolina has plenty of water heater specialists out there who can help you determine which version is right for your needs and budget, taking into account your family’s water heating needs and energy use expectations.
Option 1: The Conventional / Tank Water Heater
Traditional, or conventional, water heaters, also referred to as storage tank water heater, would be the most common type of water heater found in Charlotte homes. They consist of an insulated tank where water is heated and kept until needed. Most often, conventional water heaters are powered one of two ways: Natural gas or electricity. Natural gas water heaters normally use less energy and cost less to operate than water heaters of the electric variety, but can be costly and difficult to install.
Traditional water heaters require regular maintenance to function efficiently and effectively for a long period of time. They need to be drained and flushed, eliminating sediment and buildup, at least one time a year. The average life span of a conventional water heater is 10-12 years, determined by the level of maintenance and care.
Pros:
- The most affordable option
- This is the most familiar option for the majority of people
- Easy to install
Cons:
- They are bulky and take up a lot of space
- Hot water can be limited (don’t be the last to the shower)
- If properly maintained, they only last 10-12 years
Option 2: The Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters use extreme flashes of warmth against water-filled coils to heat water on demand. You never have to worry about being last in line for the shower again! Tankless water heater plumbing systems are somewhat more energy efficient than traditional storage tank versions, but normally have greater up-front costs.
Tankless water heaters are meant to provide a continuous stream of hot water, which makes them suitable for big families that use a lot of warm water at once. They’re also better suited for use with natural gas, even though they may require installation of a larger diameter gas line, which can prove to be costly. Electric tankless water heaters might require an update of the home’s electric capacity.
Like conventional water heaters, tankless water heaters have to be descaled of minerals at least once per year to keep them working reliably.
Pros:
- Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years – that is twice as long as the conventional type
- They take up very little space
- They are less of a drain on your monthly utility bill budget
Cons:
- This is the most expensive option
- These are more complex and issues will more than likely require a professional plumber
- Higher installation and maintenance costs
Option 3: The Heat Pump Water Heater
Heat pump water heaters, also referred to as hybrid electrical water heaters, capture heat from the air or ground and transfer it into the water heater. They cost more up front than conventional electric models, but use about 60% less electricity, meaning homeowners have a tendency to see a return on their investment in the kind of lower energy bills.
Hybrid electric heat pump water heaters don’t work well in very chilly spaces. Because the heat pump is on top of this appliance, a hybrid may require up to a 7-foot clearance from floor to ceiling.
Pros:
- HUGE savings on monthly electricity bills
- More environmentally conscious
Cons:
- High upfront cost
- Installation is more taxing and time consuming
Option 4: The Solar Water Heater
Solar water heaters operate with roof-mounted solar panels which absorb the sun’s heat and transfer it into an antifreeze-like fluid in a closed-loop system which runs to the water tank and heats water. The best solar water heaters deliver leading savings in summertime, which makes them attractive for warm, glowing areas.
Pros:
- Once you have panels installed, solar energy is free!
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- There is a large upfront investment for the installation and landscaping if trees need to be removed for sun to make it through
- Some people see it as an eye sore – but this is subjective
- Maintenance can be more expensive than with more traditional water heaters
Option 5: The Condensing Water Heater
Condensing water heaters have a tank like a traditional storage tank water heater; however, they catch hot exhaust gases which would normally be expelled from a home out the flue. These gases have been blown through a coil in the bottom of the water heater, where incoming cold water may absorb the warmth. Condensing water heaters are an extremely efficient type of water heater for most households that heat with gas and also require a potential of more than 55 gallons.
Pros:
- One of the most efficient of the different types of water heaters
- Provided cost savings on monthly utility bills
Cons:
- The take up a lot of room, similar to traditional water heaters
Do you Better Understand the Different Types of Water Heaters?
At the end of the day, it is important that you choose the best type of water heater for you and your family’s individual needs. If you have a big family that uses a lot of water, the Tankless might be your best bet. If your top criteria are that the water heater is environmentally friendly, Solar could be for you. Or if you are looking for the easiest and most cost-effective option, we would go with the traditional tank water heater.
