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A water heater is not an item you will shop for frequently. So, you want to make the best purchase possible. However, many people don’t know about the different types of water heaters and their functions. So, read on to get an easy go-to guide about four types of heaters that are available for homeowners.
What You Need to Know About Water Heaters
Conventional Tank Water Heater
As its name suggests, this type has a tank that holds the water while it is heating and remains warm until it is needed. This is the type that is most popular for family homes. However, since it holds the water continually, you should clean it out at least twice a year from residue and minerals to avoid corrosion. The heater will still work without doing so, but its lifespan will definitely shorten without this cleaning.
Additionally, the amount of water it holds depends on its capacity. For example, a 60-gallon capacity holds exactly that much before it runs out. Unfortunately, once the water runs out, they take some time to refill. This makes it even more important to regularly maintain your tank water heater to keep it at maximum capacity.
Condensing Water Heater
If your house mainly uses natural gas, this option is often the best one. The gas fumes funnel through a coil located at the bottom of the tank to heat the water. This water heater comes in large tanks and works well for large families or homeowners who want a capacity of at least 55 gallons.
Tankless Water Heater
The tankless type or on-demand water heater uses super-heated coils that fill and heats the water while you use it. These tanks come in several different sizes that you can read about and compare at Top Ten Water to know which best suits your needs. The tankless type water heater typically lasts for 8 to 10 years.
You will find this style in homes that use natural gas however, you may also purchase electric tankless water heaters. Take caution to buy one large enough to keep up with your family’s demand. Moreover, they are great energy savers, but might not be the best choice for several users at once.
Heat Pump Water Heater
With this type, the heat in the air and in the ground is used to heat the water. Most of them are designed to use up to 60% less electricity than typical electric water heaters. Because of the way the heat is pulled out to heat the water, you might find this type less practical if you install them in colder areas, such as the basement or in a cold climate region. Yet, it’s highly energy efficient, which also leads to cost savings in the long run.
New technology makes water heaters more energy efficient than ever. Plus, smart water heaters can give you the option to connect the system to your devices. Ultimately, your choice is based on several factors, such as the number of people in your household, and whether you want a natural gas or electric water heater.
In all cases, we suggest that you schedule proper maintenance for your water heater to extend its life and efficiency for clean and plentiful water use for you, your family, and guests.
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About the Author: Ashley Edwards
