There are at least seven types of water heaters, and all of them have benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of these water heaters.
The Traditional Tank Heater
You’re likely familiar with the traditional tank water heater that’s kept in the basement or the crawl space or even a special closet in the home. These heaters usually hold between 30 and 80 gallons of water, and they’re preferred because they can supply lots of hot water all the time. They’re also affordable, and they can use a variety of power sources, including oil, electricity, or gas.
One con of these types of tanks is that they’re not very energy-efficient since they have to stay hot all the time, even when they’re not in use. They use up space, and tanks powered by electricity can’t work when the power goes out.
Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are often no larger than suitcases. They are often hung on walls near fixtures and are good for small homes and apartments. They work by heating up water only on demand. This saves the energy squandered by traditional water heater tanks.
The cons are that they’re more expensive than traditional water heaters and are even pricey to install. Tankless water heaters can also take a while to heat the water, and they can’t work during blackouts.
Solar Water Heater
As the name says, solar water heaters use the sun to heat up the water, which is stored in a good-sized tank. They can actually be installed on your roof, and they usually have some kind of backup power to make sure the water’s always hot. These types of water heaters are eco-friendly, don’t need much maintenance, and can save you money in the long run.
On the other hand, they’re expensive to install, and they don’t work as well in a cold climate.
Boiler/Water Heater Combo
This appliance provides both hot water for your shower, bath, or washing machine and hot water to warm your home in the winter. They’re energy-efficient, they take up less space than a lot of traditional tanks, and they are good for smaller homes and small households. Boiler/water heaters are also easy to install, not terribly expensive, and always provide hot water on demand.
The cons are that they’re not appropriate for large homes. There may be problems with flow if the water heater is asked to serve a number of fixtures at once, and it won’t work if the boiler isn’t working.
The water heater you choose depends on your budget and the size and needs of your household. If you live in Fountain Valley, CA or a surrounding area and need water heater services, make your first call to Carlson Plumbing.
