7 Types of Water Heaters and How to Choose

7 Types of Water Heaters and How to Choose

Due to the reliance on waste gas, these systems are best paired with homes that use natural gas as a primary source for year-round heating and cooking. By using the waste gas instead of electricity or natural gas, condensing water heaters can keep yearly utility bills low and offer a high level of energy efficiency. However, these systems are typically only available as large units, which cost more than the average conventional tank water heater.

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A condensing water heater takes advantage of the unused waste gas fumes produced by the home's natural gas system. When natural gas is burned by the furnace, the heated waste gas is funneled into a coil at the bottom of the water heater tank to heat the water stored inside the tank.

The system also heats water for use at nearby sinks, showers, and appliances. Combination boiler water heaters are compact and have low operating costs, making them a great option for smaller homes that require year-round heating. However, they aren't a good choice for larger families that require a high volume of hot water during peak periods.

A combination boiler water heater is a single unit designed to heat the home and heat the water that is used at various plumbing fixtures throughout the home. The boiler system distributes hot water via baseboard radiators or radiant floor systems. Depending on the specific system, it may also distribute steam to steam radiators to heat the home.

The system has a large insulated storage tank and a heat pump that is mounted to the top of the tank. Due to the tank and heat pump combination, these systems take up more space than a conventional tank water heater. Additionally, this type of water heater is more expensive than a conventional tank heater and they rely heavily on ambient heat, which is why hybrid water heaters are not recommended for areas with cold climates.

A hybrid water heater uses a heat pump system to draw heat from the ground and air to heat the water, instead of relying on a direct fuel source. This method of heating the water allows a hybrid water heater to use up to 60 percent less power than a conventional tank water heater.

Additionally, solar water heaters are more expensive to install than conventional water heater systems, though the yearly energy costs to operate the water heater tend to be lower.

Solar water heaters can be mounted on the roof with the solar panels or installed elsewhere in the home. They don't solely rely on solar power, so there is usually a gas or electric back-up fuel system to ensure that you always have access to hot water. However, it's important to note that these systems are less effective in areas of the country that are prone to heavy snowfall because the snow blocks the solar panels, preventing solar energy collection.

Reduce yearly utility costs with a solar water heater that uses the energy from the sun to heat the water. Solar water heaters have a large insulated tank where the water is stored until it is ready to be used, similar to conventional tank water heaters. The main difference being that solar water heaters collect solar energy with solar panels and convert this energy into electricity to heat the water.

These systems are relatively affordable and don't take up a lot of space because they can usually be installed out of sight under the sink. The main drawback to a point-of-use system is that they are generally less efficient than most other water heater types.

Instead of whole-home options, point-of-use water heaters only provide hot water to one plumbing fixture, such as a shower or kitchen sink. Tank point-of-use water heaters typically have a small storage tank to keep a limited amount of water ready for use. You can also find tankless point-of-use water heaters, which are great for showers because you don't need to worry about running out of hot water in the middle of a long, relaxing shower.

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand to provide an endless supply of hot water. They take up less space than tank water heaters and they are typically more efficient. However, the cost to purchase and install a tankless water heater is generally higher than the cost to purchase and install a conventional tank water heater, so if price is a pressing concern, a tankless system may not be the best option.

The systems can be fueled by natural gas or electricity, though the natural gas tankless heaters tend to be more efficient. A primary benefit of a tankless water heater is that it doesn't waste energy heating and reheating a tank of water. Instead, the water is only heated when it is needed.

A tankless water heater is made to rapidly heat cold water as it passes through a short series of super-heated coils to provide an endless supply of hot water. These water heaters are less than half the size of a standard tank water heater, making them ideal options for small condos, apartments, or townhouses.

Typically, tank water heaters are powered by electricity or natural gas, though there are some models that may use liquid propane or oil. As cold water enters the tank, it is heated to a set temperature. Once the water inside the tank reaches the designated temperature, the water heater stops actively heating the water. When the hot water is used or enough time has passed for the water to cool, the unit will turn back on to reheat the water to the set temperature.

Tank water heaters are designed with a heating element and a storage tank where hot water is stored until it's needed. This type of water heater is one of the most affordable options due to the prevalence of these systems in the market. These conventional heaters have a large insulated tank that can hold between 30 to 80 gallons of water, depending on the size of the tank.

How to Choose a Water Heater

When it comes time to replace the water heater or if you are simply looking for an upgrade, then the first thing to consider is whether you want a tank or tankless heater. Tank heaters take up more space, but they have the advantage of being able to store heated water for future use. Point-of-use and tankless water heaters are a good option for small condos or houses where space is a limitation, though these efficient systems come at a higher price than conventional tank water heaters.

Another factor to think about is the fuel type. Most water heaters rely on gas, electricity, or a combination of the two. You can also install a solar water heater if you prefer to use renewable energy sources. For tank heaters, you should check the capacity of the tank before purchase. On average, a 40 to 50 gallon tank is sufficient for a home with two or three people. If you have more people living at your home full-time, increase the capacity by about 10 gallons per additional person.

The capacity of a tankless heater is more difficult to calculate because it is based on the flow rate in gallons per minute. Before selecting a tankless water heater, you will need to figure out how much hot water the family or residents use at the peak point of the day, like first thing in the morning when everyone is getting ready for work or school. Also, it's a good idea to ask about warranties on the water heater, so you can feel confident about your purchase.

FAQ

What type of water heater is best?
The type of water heater that is best for your home and your needs will vary. However, in general, electric water heaters are preferred because they are lightweight, quiet, and energy-efficient.

What is the most popular type of water heater today?
Conventional tank water heaters are the most popular and most common type of water heater. They can hold between 20 and 80 gallons of water and run on either gas or electricity.

6 Steps to Help Choose Your Next Water Heater

March 22, 2023

Water heaters are not an appliance purchased often by homeowners. Because you use hot water every day, it’s an important home purchase. Run through the following steps, so you’re prepared when you need to purchase your next water heater.

1. Get to Know Your Current Water Heater

It’s important to know the age of your water heater, what fuel type it is, and the health of its elements. Determine how much time is left on your warranty. Consider the current performance of your water heater. If you run out of hot water frequently, it may be time for a new water heater. Large households or homes with a soaker tub may find that a different water heater better meets their hot water needs. Identifying which water heater meets your needs will improve your comfort.

2. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

When should you purchase a new water heater? It’s always better to stay ahead of the water heater’s health and replace it before something goes wrong. Have a plumber inspect your unit's health during your next service. No one wants to deal with a leak or running out of hot water. Having time to research water heaters is the way to go.

3. Consider Fuel Type

Knowing your fuel type, gas or electric, helps determine what type of water heater to purchase. Gas, as a fuel, costs less than electricity, but electric units are more efficient. Electric models produce no emissions, so they’re kinder to the environment. There are high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® certified models that save you money on energy costs and may qualify for federal tax credits or local incentives from your utility company.

NOTE: Fuel switching is not recommended. If you’d like to switch to a different fuel type water heater, consult your plumber. Consider that gas water heaters require venting and gas lines while electric units require 240V hardwire electric service. Fuel switching may require additional plumber or electrician work at the time of installation.

4. Select Tank or Tankless

Tankless Gas Water Heater – The advantages are energy savings, space savings, and continuous hot water. It will cost more upfront to install, but it can last twice as long with lower annual operating costs compared to a standard gas tank. Rheem has two high-efficiency tankless gas options: The Rheem® IKONIC™ SR-Series Condensing Tankless Water Heater with Recirculation and the Rheem Professional Prestige Series Tankless Condensing water heater.

Tankless Electric Water Heater – You can enjoy energy savings, space savings, and continuous hot water for an electric home. It may require an electric panel upgrade, which may be expensive.

Plug-in Heat Pump Water Heater – Perfect for gas tank water heater replacement, these units require minimal to no electrical work and can plug into a 120-Volt outlet. It’s 5X more efficient than a standard tank gas water heater. The Rheem ProTerra Plug-in Heat Pump Water Heater saves energy costs and is better for the environment.

Hybrid Electric Heat Pump – Perfect for standard electric water heater replacement because of existing 240-Volt hardwired electrical service. The Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater is 4X more efficient than a standard electric tank water heater, saves energy costs, and is better for the environment.

5. Learn About Smart Features

Many of the Rheem water heaters also have built-in EcoNet® Wi-Fi technology and game-changing smart features, including:

• Hot Water Availability Indicator – know how much hot water you have left so you don’t end up with a cold shower
• Away Mode – save energy while you’re away
• Energy Usage Tracking – manage energy usage with ease
• Leak Detection – in the event of a leak, you’ll be notified at the unit and on your smartphone
• Leak Prevention – the unit will shut off if a leak occurs

6. Find Your Plumber

Find a recommended plumber in your area through Find a Pro to perform annual maintenance, check the health of your water heater, or install your new water heater.

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