When it comes to water heaters, there are as many varieties as there are types of houses. From the conventional storage tank down to pre-circulation heat pumps, your water heater choice is limited only by your home and budget. Here are some of the most common:
Conventional water heaters: Conventional water heaters are the most common type of water heater seen in homes today. They’re the classic water heater with a 40- to 80-gallon storage tank that stores hot water for home use when needed. Conventional water heaters come in either electric or gas-fired varieties, and are typically installed in a basement.
Tankless water heaters: Tankless heaters are, well, tankless. These are much smaller units than your standard storage tank water heater, and operate on an as-needed basis. Because they don’t store water, tankless heaters are considered to have perpetual hot water, unlike the storage tank variety that needs to refill when it runs down. Tankless water heaters can also be installed on practically any interior or exterior wall of your home.
Solar water heaters: Solar heaters are most often used in climates where it rarely freezes — think Arizona – and consist of a flat plate collector attached to a heat exchanger. Active solar systems have circulation apparatuses, whether that’s with antifreeze or not, while passive systems do not. A key difference here versus more traditional water heaters is that solar systems are typically installed in the attic rather than the basement for obvious reasons.
No matter the type of water heater you select, the key to remember is that you should consider not just whether you want to be environmentally conscious, but also your particular hot water needs and the surrounding climate of your area. Only then can you select the right type of water heater for your home.
If you have any questions regarding water heaters, don’t hesitate to call Essig Plumbing & Heating today. We’re always here to help!
