What Are the Different Types of Water Heaters?
Hot water heaters are like the superheroes of home appliances. Just think about it; you rely on it all year long for daily household essentials like washing clothes, running the dishwasher, cooking, and showering. It is essential to have a water heater that can keep up with daily demands without costing a fortune.
High-efficiency hot water heaters are becoming more and more common in New England homes for several reasons. First, because water heaters need replacing every 10 years or so. Second, once an older model ages out, residents in VT, MA, and NH are choosing high-efficiency models because they require less energy to deliver a steadier supply of hot water. It’s a no-brainer! What are the different types of water heaters? If you’re thinking about replacing your hot water heater, use this helpful list to understand what types of hot water heaters are out there and which would be the best fit for your home.
Choosing the Right Hot Water Heater for Your New England Home
If you use heating oil, propane gas, or natural gas to heat your home, you have several hot water heater options to choose from:
Indirect Hot Water Heater
Indirect hot water heaters use the heat from a boiler or furnace to heat hot water constantly. When hot water is needed, it is taken from the indirect water tank instead of the heating system. Because energy is stored in the indirect water tank, your furnace or boiler is able to turn off and on less frequently.
Tankless Hot Water Heater
It’s all in the name: tankless hot water heaters do not have a storage tank. Instead, cold water travels through a pipe to reach a heating element to deliver instant hot water that is always available. According to ENERGY STAR, tankless hot water heaters can help households save big on energy bills. Plus, a tankless hot water heater takes up less space in your basement.
Conventional Storage Hot Water Heater
This type of water heater holds a supply of hot water and releases it from the top of the tank when hot water is needed. Then, hot water fills at the bottom of the tank. New high-efficiency storage hot water heaters are around 8% more efficient than older models.
How to Tell When You Need a New Hot Water Heater
Most hot water heaters have a lifespan of 10 years. If your hot water heater is not being professionally maintained on an annual basis, an unexpected breakdown could occur at any time. This could cause serious damage to your home and property. Watch out for these common signs that it is time to replace your hot water heater:
- Higher-than-normal utility bills
- Insufficient hot water production
- Banging, rattling, or other strange sounds
Contact Us for Water Heater Installations Today!
If you have an issue, you know who to call for water heater repair or installation. Sandri is proud to be New England’s top choice for plumbing and HVAC installation and service. Our expert technicians and plumbers are available to maintain your current hot water heater or recommend a high-efficiency upgrade. We install top-of-the-line hot water heaters made by some of the best brands available. Contact us to get a free installation quote or to ask questions about hot water heaters.