Do you love stepping into a nice hot shower every day?
If so, you have your water heater to thank for that.
But if those hot showers are becoming lukewarm and even cold some days, you could be in the market for a new water heater.
The big question is – what type of water heater is the best for you?
We’ll take a look at five different types:
1. Storage-Tank
That lukewarm shower is among the signs you need a new water heater.
Chances are, you have a storage-tank water heater. It’s the most common type.
With a storage-tank heater, a large volume of water is heated to 120-degree Fahrenheit and “stored” in the tank until you’re ready to use it.
Because a constant output of energy is required to maintain this temperature, it is not the most energy-efficient type of water heater.
A tank that’s too big means you’ll be spending money heating water you don’t use. But if the tank is too small, you’ll run out of hot water.
That could be what’s causing those not-so-hot showers.
2. Tankless
Tankless water heaters are the second most popular type of water heater and are making gains in the market.
Also known as “on-demand” heaters, tankless water heaters use flashes of heat against water-filled coils to heat water only as you need it.
This makes them more energy-efficient than the storage tank models.
They do, however, require some bigger up-front costs.
Tankless water heaters are best suited for use with natural gas. There are electric tankless models available though. If you have an older home, you may be looking at electrical upgrades to facilitate this sort of water heater.
And that can be very costly.
3. Electric Heat Pump
If you live in a hot climate, the electric heat pump water heater is a good option.
That’s because it uses electricity to draw heat from the air, then transfers that heat to water that’s contained in its storage tank.
This unique technology makes the electric heat pump water heater three times more efficient in areas where the weather is warm at all times.
With the exception of having to clean its air filters regularly, maintenance for this type of water heater is essentially the same as with a storage tank model.
4. Condensing
If you’re looking for a water heater that has a capacity of more than 55 gallons and won’t send your energy bills through the roof, a condensing water heater could be the answer.
This model is similar to a conventional storage-tank water heater, except that it captures hot exhaust gases that would normally be expelled from your home’s flue. The gases are then blown through a coil in the base of the heater and absorbed by the incoming cold water.
5. Solar
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be in a sunny place to get the most out of a solar water heater.
They are more complicated though.
There are two parts to this water tank – the tank itself, and a solar collector. Then some systems rely on a pump to distribute the hot water, while others use the force of gravity.
So while extremely energy-efficient, they can be expensive at the get-go.
What Type of Water Heater Meets Your Needs?
If you’re tired of taking lukewarm showers, you may want to ask a professional plumber for advice on what type of water heater will best serve you.
And start enjoying hot showers again.
For more great tips and advice on taking care of your house, keep checking back with our home blog.