Choosing the right type of water heater is crucial to maintaining the costs associated with it over time. After all, none of these fixtures are made the same; there are many types of heaters, each of which comes with different installation and consumption costs. Choosing the right one for your setup entails more than just looking at the size; you must also factor in the specs of each and how it works with your lifestyle.
If you are looking for a water heater but have no idea where to begin, here is a guide to help you figure out which heater will fulfill your needs most effectively.
Types of water heaters
All devices and fixtures have their own service lifespan. No matter how well you maintain your water heater, there may come a time when it will need a replacement! If you are looking for a replacement water heater or if you are a first-time buyer, here are some tips to help you choose the right one:
1 – Conventional water heaters
This is the most common type of water heater. It consists of an insulated water tank that heats up the water and stores it until it is needed. These types of water heaters will usually require regular maintenance—but will last for over ten years if it is kept well-maintained.
Conventional heaters do not usually cost very much but may be a little more complicated to install.
2 – Tankless water heaters
These water heaters are also called “on-demand” water heaters, as they use intense flashes of heat to heat up coils filled with water. It then releases the heated water when the shower or faucets are turned on, thus releasing the hot water on demand.
Tankless heaters are more energy-efficient than most other types; however, these do require more costs up front. These require a gas line that has a larger diameter—especially for homes with large families that may need a steady flow of hot water to fulfill the needs of all members. Such fixtures also need to be maintained periodically to ensure that these continue to run smoothly!
3 – Heat pump water heaters
These heaters are also known as hybrid electric heaters. These work by capturing the heat from the ground or air and transferring that heat energy to the water. Heat pump heaters are one of the most cost-efficient of all heater types; in fact, a homeowner will be able to realize a return of investment fairly quickly after installation in the form of lower power bills.
However, if the family lives in a cooler area, these heaters may not work as effectively as it should, so consider your locale as well!
4 – Solar water heaters
Solar power is one of the most abundant sources of energy and heat. Heaters that use it are extremely efficient in terms of both cost and energy. These heaters get their energy from solar panels that are attached to the roof of a home. Although the initial installation of these panels may seem costly, the family will realize a huge amount of savings in the long run because of their deductions in electricity bills!
5 – Condensing water heaters
Condensing water heaters also have a water tank similar to that of a conventional water heater. However, condensing water heaters are more energy-efficient, as they use the heat that is expelled from a home, absorbing that to heat up the water in the tank.
How much energy do water heaters use?
Each type of water heater uses energy to power it in different manners. However, one common factor that affects their energy consumption is how much water it needs to heat up, and how hot the water has to be once it is released.
Water heaters typically run only for a few hours in a day. A conventional electric tank water heat will run 3 – 5 hours a day based on the number of occupants in the house. For a 4 person family, a standard RHEEM water heater will consume 540 kWh per month. At average Texas rates of 11.4 cents per kWh the monthly cost of the tank water heaters is $62. These numbers are bases on the latest water heaters. Older water heaters are of lower efficiency and monthly costs will be higher by 5%. For tankless water heaters we should expect monthly electric costs to be 20% lower and should be $50 monthly.
One easy way of reducing the costs is to reduce the temperature to which water is heated. Standard settings on a water heater ensure that the hot water is heated to 140 degree Fahrenheit. However according to energy.gov 120 degrees is sufficient for home use and can save you 4%-22% on your water heating costs. On average, this is equal to $8 every month.
Further, if you do not mix cold and hot water, hot water and 140 degrees can scald your skin. To avoid accidents, homeowners with little kids or toddlers should especially reduce the water heater temperatures to 120 degrees.
For example, tankless water heaters will only heat water on an as-needed basis, so these may be more energy-efficient than conventional water heaters that need to heat up a large quantity of water at one time. However, for larger families or properties, tankless water heaters may struggle with the increased demand—which is where other types tend to shine.
The bottom line is to consider your property’s situation and check whether the unit will be cost-efficient in such a setup. For the best results, find a consultant who can help you with that decision!
Conclusion
After reading, you may already be able to find the best water heater that will suit your needs. Keep in mind that all heaters have their pros and cons, and the best way to decide which heater your home will benefit from the most is to consider what your needs are first, and find the best heater to meet those needs!
Watt Zero is a one-stop-shop for consumers to purchase energy, solar, and energy efficiency installation services. We aim to help consumers understand their energy usage, purchase the cheapest energy that fits the homeowner’s lifestyle, and identify improvements that reduce energy consumption. If you need help finding a good-quality water heater for your home, contact us today!