Different Types of Water Heaters and How to Choose

Every home needs a water heating system, but many new homeowners are surprised and intimidated by the variety of potential options. There are in fact several types of hot water heaters, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Maybe you’re building or renovating your home. Or maybe you just want to replace or upgrade an aging or inefficient water heater. Whatever the case, Liberty Home Guard’s guide will supply you with the information you need to make an informed choice about the type of water heater to install in your home.

 

Types of Water Heaters

There are several types of water heating systems available for modern residential use. Some are costlier than others; some are more energy efficient than others. A home’s architecture and infrastructure may also dictate which water heater is best.

First, let’s review the different water heaters available to the American homeowner. Then we’ll compare and contrast the pros and cons of each.

• Storage tank water heaters. These appliances use a heat source to bring a large volume of water to temperature in an insulated tank. Household residents can then use the heated water on demand for bathing, dishwashing, and laundering. If the water in the tank goes unused and starts to drop in temperature, the heater eventually reengages to reheat the water to the predetermined temperature setting.  
  
  Various heat sources are compatible with storage tank water heaters. These appliances are among the most prevalent types of gas water heaters,  
  but many models use electric or oil heat instead. 
   
• Tankless water heaters. A tankless water heater differs substantially from a storage tank water heater.Rather than heating a large quantity of water and reserving it for casual use, a tankless water heater uses a heating element to rapidly heat water only when necessary. In other words, the home’s water supply stays cold until an appliance or hot-water control signals for the immediate necessity of heated water. 
   
• Indirect water heaters. Some water heaters are able to take advantage of a home’s existing heating system. If a home is heated by a water boiler, for instance, the water heater can take advantage of that heat to bring potable water up to temperature. This is a two-birds-one-stone kind of approach. 
   
• Solar water heaters. Water heaters that take advantage of solar power have become increasingly popular. Most models are analogous to traditional storage tank water heaters, utilizing solar radiation to heat a large volume of potable water for on-demand use. 
   
• Hybrid heat pump water heaters. Heat pump water heaters extract heat from the air or ground to bring water to temperature. Some heat pump water heaters are stand-alone systems, and they typically have a reserve electric heating element in case extracted heat from the air or ground is not enough to adequately heat the water. Other heat pump systems are designed to integrate with an existing storage tank water heater. 
   
• Condensing water heaters. Homes that use natural gas can be fitted with condensing water heaters. Heated waste gas, the byproduct of a natural gas system, is condensed beneath a tank to warm up the water inside.\ 
   
• Point-of-use water heaters. Unlike conventional central water heaters, a point-of-use water heater is installed at the site of a specific sink or shower. This eliminates the possibility of heat loss as water travels from the central water heater to the tap or faucet. 

Costs, energy efficiency, ease of installation, and other considerations vary considerably across these different water heating systems. Use the table below to determine which type is best suited for your home.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Heater System

If you’re building a new home or have the opportunity to swap out the water heating system in your existing home, you need to weigh several factors to identify the system best suited for your home and lifestyle. 

• Cost. Upfront product and installation costs are likely to be top of mind, and for good reason. A modern solar-power water heater might sound great, but a conventional tank water heater may be more realistic considering budget limitations. Be careful to not neglect long-term costs, though. Some water heating systems may cost a pretty penny now, but will save you money after five, ten, or twenty years. If you can justify the upfront cost of a system that costs less to run month to month, that may be the best option. 
   
• Energy efficiency. Water heater efficiency is determined by the fuel source, the distance the heated water needs to travel from heater to tap, and whether the system has to routinely reengage to bring water back up to temperature. A more efficient appliance typically translates into cheaper monthly bills. 
   
• Fuel source. Water heaters can operate on a range of power sources: electricity, natural gas, oil, solar power, geothermal heat, and more. Consider the fuel sources that are affordable and accessible in your area. 
   
• Compatibility. Some water heating systems are simply incompatible with certain homes, or they may require substantial retrofitting to establish compatibility. Cross off from your list of candidates those water heaters that your home can’t support. 
   
• Home and household size. Some water heaters aren’t necessarily suitable for a large home or for the volume of hot water that multiple people in a household may demand. Keep these in mind while you shop for a water heater. 
   
• Climate and location. Some niche water heaters are better suited for particular environments. A solar-powered water heater, for instance, may not be the best choice if you have limited daylight hours in the winter. Similarly, an air-source heat pump water heater is not necessarily a wise investment if you live in a region that stays cold for much of the year. 

Installation and Maintenance of Water Heaters

Installation demands vary significantly across various water heaters. Installing a conventional tank heater can be an easy DIY project, but heat pump water heaters require some technical expertise. 

Maintenance demands similarly differ, but there are some broad maintenance tips that can apply to almost all water heater types.

• Periodically check that the temperature setting is within the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Keep the water heater free of dust and clutter.
• Check any valves, gaskets, and fittings for signs of wear and tear or loosening.
• Flush your tank once per year to clear any accumulated sediment.
• Schedule a service check-up each year from a licensed professional.

Water Heater Safety Tips

Two primary considerations for water heater safety are temperature and pressure. An ideal temperature setting is around 120°F to prevent the possibility of scalding, though some homeowners may want to push the temperature slightly higher, capping at around 140°F.

Healthy water heaters should automatically relieve themselves via a release valve when pressure builds, but such valves can malfunction or become a little sticky without proper servicing. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to know when and how to test the pressure valve.

Does a Home Warranty Cover Water Heaters?

It is very common for home warranty coverage to include protection for residential water heaters. The specifics of coverage can vary by policy and water heater type, but most homeowners should have no problem finding a suitable plan. 

Liberty Home Guard’s offerings also include much more. In addition to water heater coverage, you can cover a suite of home systems, from plumbing and electrical to HVAC. We of course support robust appliance coverage as well, and we offer a range of essential home services. Learn more by calling (833)-545-5590.