Everything You Need to Know About Types of Water Heaters
Deep dive into the world of water heaters and find out how to buy the right one.
Hot water is a necessity that you want to get right in your home. Today, there are several different types of water heaters, each with their own capabilities and strengths. Use our guide for choosing a water heater and explore the several relevant features and installation aspects of each type.
Select Your Water Heater's Power Source
Electric: Generally less expensive in initial costs, an electric water heater comes in a variety of energy efficient options. These units are simple to install, easy to use, and good for the environment.
Natural Gas/Liquid Propane: Before purchasing a natural gas or liquid propane heated water tank, make sure that your house has a natural gas line that runs to it already. Gas heaters are more energy efficient in the long run, but require special safety measures like plenty of air circulation.
Water Storage Tank/Tank Heater: These types of water heaters function by storing large amounts of water and keeping it hot until flowing to the house. As it's used, more cold water fills the tank to be heated and used in the future.
Tankless Heaters: On the other hand, tankless water heaters don't store hot water. Instead, they heat water as it passes through a series of coils in the unit. They're available in electric, liquid propane, and natural gas models. A tankless unit can provide only a limited flow rate of hot water. This is a good option for a smaller household that might not need hot water in more than one place at a time.
Hybrid Tanks: These types of water heaters combine the system of the standard water heater with the benefit of an energy efficient heat source. Hybrid water tanks use heat from outside air and drawn it in where a heat exchanger heats water within the tank to the desired temperature, then the water passes from the heater tank into your home's showers, faucets, and large appliances.
Single Point of Use Water Heaters: Small storage tank water heaters, known as point of use (POU) or utility water heaters, are good choices for adding hot water to outbuildings, shops, or garages. Utility water heaters usually range in size from 2.5 to 19 gallons. The largest of these heaters can also be used to provide hot water to secondary bathrooms that are situated far from your home's main water heater.
Expansion Tanks: Water heater expansion tanks are plumbed directly to the water heater. These water heater tanks are made to hold the extra volume of water produced when cold water is heated in the tank.
Choose Your Water Heater's Capacity
Storage tank water heaters are classified by the amount of water they hold in gallons. In order to ensure that your household has enough hot water, it's important to determine how much you'll need. Consider things like household member size, if you take showers or baths, and how often you're doing dishes, etc. If you intend to use a tank water heater, use these recommendations as a guide to finding the size you need:
- Family of 1 to 2: 30 gallons
- Family of 2 to 3: 40 gallons
- Family of 3 to 4: 50 gallons
- Family of 4+: 50+ gallons
Measure the Space: Using a tape measure, measure the height of your water heater from its base to the top. Then measure the width (or diameter). It is also helpful to measure from the floor to the ceiling of the space your water heater is in and allow for room on the sides so that air around it can properly circulate.
Inside/Outside: Where you install your tankless water heater depends on the climate in your area and the preexisting plumbing at your home. For older homes, outdoor heaters are more compatible with its current pipe system, while newer homes could benefit from an indoor heater and save it from being exposed to the elements, thus protecting its lifespan.
Water Heater Features & Accessories
ENERGY STAR: Certified gas storage water heaters are 8% more efficient than conventional models. ENERGY STAR gas storage water heaters have better insulation, heat traps, and more efficient burners to keep the water hot and lessen the water needed which saves you money.
Portable: There are several instances where you should have a portable water heater on hand. They are great for emergency preparation or having easy access to outdoor hot water while camping or RVing. Energy saving and convenient, a portable water heater is essential to accessing hot water on the go.
There's a lot of research that goes into learning how to choose a water heater. Now that you can confidently answer, "What is a water heater?", browse all water heater options on Wayfair to buy the right one for your home.
