Different Types of Water Heaters

Are you currently in the market for a new water heater for your home? There are several options of water heaters to choose from and we are here to help you find the perfect heating option for you. A water heater is what allows us to take warm showers, wash our dishes, and prepare our laundry more effectively. A water heater either uses electricity or gas to heat and deliver hot water where it is needed in the home. 

Not sure which heater to choose from? There are several types of water heaters out there, so it is important to choose one that meets your needs. Read our guide to find the best water heater for you!

Gas Vs. Electric

Water heaters commonly use gas or electricity to heat up water. There are a few differences between the two when considering which one to install in your home. It ultimately depends on what you are looking for. Here are some of the pros and cons to be aware of when choosing your water heater:

Pros to a Electric Water Heater 

• Less energy loss
• Less maintenance
• Variety of sizes to choose from
• Not as many safety concerns
• Easy to use and install
• Operate quietly
• More reliable and fewer parts
• Energy-efficient

Cons to a Electric Water Heater 

• Water is slower to heat up
• Can’t use during a power outage
• Higher operating costs
• Limited hot water supply
• Environmental impact
• May require a larger electrical system

Pros to a Gas Water Heater 

• Lower operating costs
• Wide range of sizes
• Can still use when the power goes out
• Offers high-efficiency models
• Longer lifespan
• Environmentally friendly
• Higher hot water supply
• Faster heating

Cons to a Gas Water Heater 

• More maintenance
• Higher upfront costs
• More energy loss
• Noisier operation
• Depend on a fuel source
• Complex installation
• Potential safety hazards

Now that you have a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of an electric and gas water heater, you can determine what style of heater is best suited for your home. 

Conventional Storage Water Heater

As the most common type of water heater, storage water heaters use a large tank to heat and hold your water. These traditional heaters range in a variety of sizes, depending on the amount of hot water you will need. Cold water is pumped into the tank and heated by a gas flame or electricity. 

Tankless Water Heater 

This type of water heater does not have a tank to hold water, so it will only heat your water when needed. When you turn on the hot water faucet, cold water flows into the tankless water unit. This is where an electric element or gas burner will heat it up. 

The hot water is then transferred over to your faucet in just a few seconds without having to wait for it to fill and heat up again. It is a much smaller unit than a traditional tank. The water is filtered through a flow sensor where the unit produces hot water. 

Tankless water heaters may be more expensive, but they are more energy-efficient causing them to potentially save more in the long run. This type of heater only heats water as needed, reducing standby heat loss, unlike a traditional heater. The tankless feature makes it more convenient for mounting on a wall and saving space. 

Hybrid Water Heater

Hybrid water heaters use a small amount of electricity to generate heat. This kind of water heater combines the features of a traditional tank with a heat pump. Instead of using a gas burner or electric heating system, a heat pump is used to extract heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water tank.

Hybrid water heaters cost a lot more upfront, but since they are more energy-efficient they can save a significant amount on energy bills. Some companies even offer special rebates for homeowners who install a hybrid water heater.

Solar Powered Water Heater

Are you thinking about going green? Solar powered water heaters are a great option for those who are looking to save more energy. Solar powered water heaters use energy from the sun to heat up water.

Condensing Water Heater

This type of water heater uses natural gas as its energy source for heating up water. Condensing water heaters use a second heat exchanger for extracting additional heat from exhaust gasses before they are vented. This method increases efficiency when it comes to heating up your water. 

Condensing water heaters come in tankless and tank-style models and are powered by propane or natural gas.

Water Heater Brands

Shamrock Plumbing is your friendly local plumbing company who has plenty of experience and knowledge when it comes to installing water heaters. Here are some of the most major brands of tank water heaters that we are familiar with:

• Rheem
• Eemax
• Seisco
• Takagi
• Rinnai, Noritz
• A.O. Smith
• State
• Bradford White

We can install most water heaters, so if there is a brand that is not mentioned in this list that you have questions about, give us a call. 

Shamrock Can Install Your Water Heater for You!

Whether you are looking to replace, repair, or install a brand new water heater, you can count on Shamrock Plumbing to get the job done right! Visit our site in North Salt Lake City, Utah and request a free quote. For any questions you have about our other installation or repair services, call us today!