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The Four Main Types Of Water Heaters

Water heaters are one of the most important appliances for your home, providing hot water to all water fixtures and water using appliances throughout your home. There are four main types of water heaters available on the market, which all operate in different ways to achieve the same function. Understanding the differences between the four main types of water heaters can help you choose the variant that best suits your needs. 

Tank Water Heaters

Otherwise known as traditional water heaters, tank water heaters have a large storage tank for your home's hot water. The main benefit of traditional water heaters is the fact that they are relatively inexpensive when compared to other types of water heaters, and provide a stable reservoir of hot water to your home. However, tank water heaters tend to take up quite a bit of room, which can be a major drawback in apartments and small homes. Furthermore, tank water heaters have to constantly reheat the water in the tank, which can lead to higher energy bills.

Tankless Water Heaters

Like their name suggests, tankless water heaters do not have a reservoir for hot water. Instead, they heat water at the main water supply as needed, providing on-demand water to your home. This is much more energy efficient than tank water heaters, and can provide a larger amount of hot water over a longer period of time. However, tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, and can run into problems when supplying hot water to more than a single water fixture at a time. 

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters are a unique type of water heater. They work by moving temperature from one area, usually the exterior of the home, into the water supply, heating the water indirectly instead of using a heating element. This distinct method of heating water does not use a great deal of energy, which can greatly reduce your energy bills over time. However, heat pump water heaters only work in mild or warm climates, as cold exterior temperatures can severely limit their effectiveness.

Solar Water Heaters

Perhaps the least common type of water heater, solar water heaters use solar panels to collect energy and heat water through heating elements, usually in conjunction with a conventional hot water tank inside your home. They are extremely expensive to install, but do not require any electricity to operate, slashing your energy bills. However, like heat pump water heaters, solar water heaters require a specific climate (namely, one with lots of sun) in order to effectively heat your home's water. 

For further information, contact local plumbing service professionals.


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