Heaters

Choosing a new water heating system for your home can be a time taking process. You consider the system providing enough hot water and the one that has important features like energy efficiency, quick heating, etc. They come in a wide array of options. Let us explore how to choose the best heater.

The technical advancement in plumbing has given rise to the number of options we have for water heating systems. When it’s time to replace your old system, there is a lot to choose from. Water heating is a process in which an energy source is used to heat water above its initial temperature. Some of the common uses of hot water at home include cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Appliances that are capable of supplying a continuous supply of hot water are known as water heaters. They may use different fuels such as fuel oil, electricity, propane, solar energy etc. On this page, we will explore many more things about them so that you can pick the best water heater.

Things you need to know about the water heater

Water heaters come in a wide assortment of options. They vary based on fuel type, capacity, energy-efficient features, price range, brands, and more. All the factors may be related to each other. For example, the fuel type will affect the efficiency of the heater and its annual operational cost. Electricity, fuel oil, solar energy, and propane are some of the common sources of energy that power the heating system. Tankless water heaters, conventional storage tanks, and solar-powered heaters are common types. Although, there is much more to it. Let us explore in detail to find the best and cheap water heater.

Tankless water heater & its features

As the name suggests, a tankless water heater has no tank. Instead of that, it contains coils that fill with water. They heat the water quickly as you need it. This is the reason; it is also popular as an on-demand water heater. It is the best choice for families having a lot of members. This comes in many size options. You should go for the one as per your requirements. If you buy a tankless water heater smaller than your requirement, it may result in lukewarm or cold water results. They work perfectly for homes that have natural gas to power the equipment. However, large sizes will require larger gas lines. The ones that run on electricity might require you to escalate the electricity capacity of your home.

Hybrid electric water heater pros & cons

If you do not want a sudden hike in your electricity bills, then a hybrid electric heater can be your choice. It works on a unique mechanism. It captures heat from air and ground and transfers the same to the water. Here, the electricity comes into use when the heat transfers from the ground or air to the water tank. Hence, the machine is not completely dependent upon electricity to function. If you compare it with the conventional models, it consumes 60% lesser energy. However, it comes with a tank that you need to clean regularly. Since it takes heat from the atmosphere or ground, it might not work well in locations having a low temperature.

Solar-powered water heater price & characteristics

Solar water heaters work with the help of roof-mounted solar panels. They absorb the heat of the sun. The solar energy trapped in the cells gradually transfers to the closed-loop system, having heat-conductive material (antifreeze-like fluid). This fluid then runs to heat the water in the tank. However, these heaters work for only those who live in a warm and sunny climate. Quality options may cost you somewhere around $250. It is environmentally friendly and incredibly energy efficient, which make it a nice choice. By installing this, you can save a lot on your bills. However, in some regions, it is pretty expensive to install the whole set.