Who doesn’t love a steamy hot shower first thing in the morning? That first blast of clean, hot water on your head can wake you up better than any cappuccino or latte. This miracle wake-up call comes from your water heater appliance, maybe electric or gas, maybe a tank or not. Water heater safety and technology have advanced since it was first patented in 1868. With all the new changes, upgrades, and updates, here are the five different types of water heaters and some top-rated offerings for 2021.
- Standard water heater: this is the most common type of water heater. It can be electric or gas heated and comes with a storage tank in a gallon-sized range. If your household is 2-3 people, a 55-gallon water heater should be more than adequate when sized appropriately.
The water heater alone uses almost 17% of your home’s energy, surpassing the total energy use of all home appliances combined.Â
An electric water heater can be more expensive every month than a gas water heater which can be more expensive at purchase. The standard water heater is considerably cheaper to purchase and install than the others, but the energy costs can average g$500 per year for electric and $230 for gas.
2021 Top-Rated Brands: Electric-Rheem Performance, Gas-AO Smith Signature
- Tankless, on-demand water heater: instead of storing hot water in a tank, the water is flash heated by coils as needed, which is more energy-efficient for smaller homes that aren’t running showers and washing machines or dishwashers at the same time. The tankless water heater is ideal for a natural gas heated house instead of electric.
The tankless water heater is ideal for a natural gas heated house instead of electric.
An electric tankless water heater can stress a home electrical system and require a costly upgrade for it to work. This water heater also has a more limited flow of hot water, only 3.5 gallons per minute. The gas-powered tankless heater’s energy costs average $195 per year and $545 for the electric version.
- Heat pump/Hybrid water heater: this heater draws heat from the outside air and transfers the heat to the water through a heat pump that sits on top of the tank. This type uses electricity and is more energy-efficient than a standard electric water heater; hybrids use 63% less electricity than standard. You also have more control over setting how much or how little heat you need during high-demand periods. According to Energy Star (energystar.gov), a household of four can save $330 per year using a hybrid water heater.Â
- Condensing water heater: If you use gas to heat your water and need more than 55 gallons, a condensing water heater is an option. Like a standard tank, this type pushes exhaust gases that regularly go out a flue as waste energy through coils at the tank base to heat the water. Condensing water heaters can save over 50% in energy costs, making this one of the most energy-efficient water heaters available.
- Solar water heaters: In warmer, sunnier climates, solar can be a desirable option. The heat gets converted into heat-transfer fluid that heats the water by putting a solar cell on your roof. Because the sun is free, this can be an attractive, energy-conserving, environmentally friendly way to heat water; however, on non-sunny days, you still need an electric or gas water heater to fall back on. The most expensive aspect of solar water heaters is the initial cost of solar cells, parts, and installation. SolPak comes in both gas and electric backups
Water heaters, regardless of energy source or type of heater, are the most expensive parts of your home. The water heater alone uses almost 17% of your home’s energy, surpassing the total energy use of all home appliances combined.
Condensing water heaters can save over 50% in energy costs, making this one of the most energy-efficient water heaters available.
Because hot water is an essential part of our daily lives, choosing the right water heater can be one of the most important purchases you make for your family. With so many to choose from, spending time researching and comparing products to your lifestyle and usage can help you find the perfect water heater.   Ready to talk about your water heater options? Call The GreenBox Home Services today at (859) 278-0281
