When it comes to choosing a water heater for your home, there are
three main types: tankless water heaters, traditional water heaters and heat
pumps. Based on your individual preferences and needs, you can determine what
type of water heater is best and most applicable to you. Below, I have outlined
items to consider when in the market for a new water heater.
Tankless Water Heater: The common misconception of tankless water heaters is
that they are not instant, they are constant. This means that once the demand
for hot water has been called for, by turning on a hot faucet, it will not
stop producing hot water until said faucet is turned off. So, you never have to
worry about running out of hot water during rush hour traffic at home. Thinking
of going green? Manufacturers like Navien have heaters with a 90% efficiency
range that come with a built-in recirculation pump. Ultimately, this will aid
in keeping those blue faces in your pocket. A benefit of tankless water heaters
is that they are also smaller and take up less room in your home than
conventional water heaters. In addition, they last longer than conventional
water heaters which means you'll end up spending less money overall.
Nevertheless, the high upfront costs of these heaters can cause
financial ruin. Not to mention that the flow rate can alter, causing what is
known as the "cold water sandwich effect." Imagine a burst of hot
water followed by another burst of cold water. Additionally, tankless water heaters
need a larger gas line to be installed, which can raise the cost of
installation. Finally, large households may not be the best candidates for
tankless water heaters because they may find it difficult to meet the demand
for hot water.
Standard
Water Heater: Traditional water heaters are unquestionably more affordable than
other types of heaters. They are simple to install, which is a plus. This is
the best option if you're concerned about water pressure or volume while taking
a shower because there is no flow restriction like there is with tankless or
electric water heaters.
Conventional
water heaters do, however, have some drawbacks. It's possible that you'll run
out of hot water during times of high demand due to their limited supply.
Traditional water heaters also use more energy than tankless water heaters,
which can lead to higher energy costs. They take up more room in your home than
tankless water heaters as well. Conventional water heaters generally last
8–12 years, and tankless heaters last 15-20 years depending on water quality.
Heat
pump water heaters: A more recent option on the market is a heat pump water
heater, which uses electricity to move heat from the air or ground to heat your
water. Due to their high energy efficiency, they are a fantastic option for
homeowners looking to lower their monthly energy costs. In addition, heat pump
water heaters have a longer lifespan compared to traditional water heaters,
couple this with solar and you will start stacking cash in no time
.
The ideal applicants for
heat pump water heaters include homes located in warm climates where the air
and ground temperatures are high enough to efficiently heat the water. They are
also a good option for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint and
make their home more environmentally sound.
The
bottom line is when choosing a water heater, it's beneficial to consider your
financial situation and individual needs. To have an endless supply of hot
water, a tankless water heater may be your best option. If you're looking for
something less expensive, a conventional water heater is considered pocket
friendly. If you're going green and don't want to be a drain on the
environment, then heat pumps are for you. Make sure you do your homework and
always get a couple of bids and if you have any questions feel free to call
Tony from Level up Plumbing in Huntington Beach Ca at 657-467-5862.