Choosing the Right Kind of Water Heater
Considering a new water heater. Today there are more choices when it comes to providing hot water to your home than ever. Here are the most common types of water heater and the advantages and disadvantages of each style.
Electric Tank Water Heater
Heats and stores water in a tank using electricity.
- Purchase Cost (less installation): Low
- Advantages: Lowest upfront cost, Good for small or large households
- Disadvantages: Depending on electric rates, can be more expensive to operate.
Gas Tank Water Heater
Heats and stores water in a tank using natural gas or propane
- Purchase cost (less installation): Mid-range
- Advantages: Lowest upfront cost, Good for small or large households
- Disadvantages: Can be more expensive to operate if using propane
Tankless Gas Water Heater
Heats water on demand when its needed. Doesn’t need to use energy maintaining a tank of water.
- Purchase cost (less installation): Higher than average.
- Advantages: Good for smaller households, lower operating cost, small footprint, longer lifespan.
- Disadvantages: More complicated and expensive to install.
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater
Uses electricity to move heat from one place to another.
- Purchase cost (less installation): Mid-range
- Advantages: 2-3 times more efficient than conventional tank water heater.
- Disadvantages: Generally not a good option for colder climates.
Condensing Gas Water Heaters
Heats and stores the water using gas, then uses the combustion gas to further heat the water.
- Purchase cost (less installation): Mid-range.
- Advantages: Lowest operating cost.
- Disadvantages: Higher installation cost.
Hybrid Tankless Water Heater
Combines the advantages of a small storage tank with a tankless water heating efficiency.
- Purchase cost (less installation): Higher.
- Advantages: Lower operating cost. Less standby heat loss than a conventional tank water heater, and no “cold water sandwich” that can occur with tankless water heaters.
- Disadvantages: Higher up-front cost, more complex installation.
Need help choosing the best water heater for your needs? Call Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating, we’re here to help.
