How to Pick the Best Type of Water Heater for Your Home

Water heaters are one of those home systems we often don’t put much thought into. Many simply think of a water heater as a large tank that sits off in the basement or in a closet somewhere. Most people don’t realize there are different types that they can choose from. Moreover, the type you choose can impact energy saving and overall cost. Today, we are going to talk about the two most common water heaters.

The first is the conventional water tank, which is considered to be traditional by many. These are tall, cylindrical tanks that are found standing in a basement or utility closet. They use electric or gas to heat the water and their capacity is typically stated in gallons. So, the larger the talk, the more hot water it will hold. The advantage is that they are generally less costly upfront. However, in the long-run, they tend to be less energy efficient than other options.

The second most common option is the tankless water heater. They will also use an electric element or a gas burner to generate hot water. However, it will only heat the water as-need or on-demand. So, for example, a tankless water heater will only heat water when you turn your sink on rather than having a large tank waiting. The advantage here is a savings of 24 to 34 percent in energy costs. Moreover, you may even qualify for a green energy tax credit. Still, there is a much larger investment upfront and you can run out of hot water with heavy usage.

All that said, heating your home’s water does translate into 15 to 25 percent of your home’s overall energy consumption. In fact, the only thing that uses more energy is an HVAC system. This is why doing some research is important before buying a new water heater. It is best to balance the initial cost and overall energy savings so that you receive the best value within your budget.

What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like more information on types of water heaters, or a related topic, please contact us.