Water heaters are available in various sizes and shapes to fit the space and your household needs. They offer varied energy efficiency and may run on electricity, natural gas, or propane. Consider your family’s water use and peak demand periods when selecting a model because the size of the water heater will affect its annual operating expenses.
Conventional Storage Water Heaters
The preheated water from conventional storage-tank water heaters is heated and kept warm until needed in a large insulated tank. Electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, or propane can all be used to power them. When hot water is required, a pipe emerges from the top to deliver to showers, washing machines and other appliances. They need a larger water heater tank than different types and can take up valuable space in the home. Annual operating costs for these units depend on the type of fuel or energy source used. Gas storage tanks can operate at a lower price than electric models due to the greater efficiency of gas heating. A gas storage water heater is a great choice if your home uses hot water and has a gas connection for your heating system. Consider other options for residential water heaters San Francisco CA, especially if your home is space-constrained or you want to reduce energy costs.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, sometimes called on-demand or instantaneous, provide a constant hot water supply by directly heating water on demand as it flows through pipes. They prevent the energy loss associated with warming water to store in a conventional storage tank, representing up to 30% of the overall energy usage for a water heater. When choosing a tankless water heater, consider your peak hot-water demand, the number of bathrooms in your home and what temperature you want your incoming water to be. We recommend that homeowners look for ENERGY STAR® rated units, which consume less energy than standard models.
If you choose a natural gas or propane-powered unit, your installation may require upgrades to your gas line or plumbing fixtures, which a professional should complete. An electric tankless unit can be installed almost anywhere, but it requires access to a reliable source of electricity. Regardless of the type of tankless water heater you choose, consider purchasing a built-in recirculation pump to save energy and money by recirculating hot water.
Solar Water Heaters
Unlike electric and gas water heaters, solar thermal systems don’t generate any pollution. They use clean, renewable solar energy to heat your water. They are available in passive and active, although all solar water heating systems require a storage tank. Passive solar water heaters function without circulating pumps or controllers, whereas dynamic systems do so to move heat from the collectors to the storage tank. Solar water heaters can be direct or indirect. With natural circulating systems, the sun heats a non-freezing heat-transfer fluid that warms water in a tank for storage or immediate use. This system works well in climates not prone to freezing temperatures. Indirect circulating solar water heating systems absorb the sun’s heat on a dark absorber plate insulated with glass or polymer, transferring that heat to the storage tank. These are the most popular type of solar water heater, and they’re suitable for most climates. You could save thousands of dollars with a solar water heater depending on your energy usage.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are the cleanest, most sustainable, and lowest-cost option for your home’s hot water needs. They are incredibly efficient—twice as energy-efficient as electric storage tanks and seven times more energy-efficient than gas heaters—and can save you hundreds in utility bills each year. They can be expensive upfront and require more upkeep than conventional storage water heaters. Still, if you choose a high-efficiency model that meets ENERGY STAR guidelines, federal tax incentives and state sales rebates make them an excellent choice. Plus, with a UEF of 2.75 to 3.5, they will pay for themselves in energy savings within just a few years! They draw heat from the air, so they need access to a large space—typically 1,000 cubic feet or more, depending on the product. If installing it in a small utility closet, use a louvered door or jumper duct to provide the proper airflow.
