You may not be familiar with the different types of water heaters, but one thing you know for certain is that you love having hot water! There’s nothing like a hot shower on a cold day or a relaxing bath after a long day. Can you imagine heating 50 gallons of water and lugging gallon after gallon to the bathtub? We are so thankful for our hot water! You have your water heater to thank for that steamy relaxation.
In this article, we will look at the different types of water heaters – gas, electric, solar, and tankless to help you decide which one is right for you. We will also discuss Sun Plumbing’s newest addition, the Essency, which we are excited to offer our customers. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of the different water heaters available so you can make an informed decision.
Types of Water Heaters
Water heaters can be powered by gas, electric, or solar power. Let’s take a look at the different types to get a better understanding of them.
● Gas water heaters – These water heaters are powered by gas, just like a gas stove. Not all homes have gas lines, so not everyone can own a gas water heater. For example, most homes on our barrier islands do not have gas unless they have had a propane tank installed.
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Solar water heaters – You do not have to have solar panels on your house to have a solar water heater. Solar water heaters collect thermal energy and use it to heat water. They consist of more parts than a typical water heater which is important to know for maintenance and repairs.Tank Water Heaters
If you have a tank water heater, then somewhere in your utility closet or garage you have a big tank of water! A water heater heats the tank full of water and stores it so it is ready for use.
Advantages of Tank Water Heaters
● Tank water heaters are a reliable source of hot water as long as they are in good working condition.
● They are simple with few parts and are easily maintained, repaired, and replaced (when necessary) by a professional plumber.
● Because they consist of large tanks, usually 55 gallons of water, they are great for families. As long as nobody takes 30-minute showers, an average-sized family should all be able to shower in the morning without losing hot water when using a typical tank water heater.
Disadvantages of Tank Water Heaters
● Tank water heaters are large, but they are limited. If you have a large family, you may need a showering schedule in place to ensure everyone gets their fair share of hot water!
● Tank water heaters are not small. 55 gallons requires a large tank, so it takes up space. In the garage, it’s not usually an issue. Some are installed in a closet in the house though which can cause a lack of space.
● Tank water heaters may have a higher energy consumption than tankless water heaters.
Tankless Water Heaters
How can you have hot water without a tank to store it? Tankless water heaters are on-demand devices. When you turn the faucet handle to hot, for example, water will flow through the unit being heated as it goes.
Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
● You get an endless supply of hot water with a tankless water heater as it is heated on demand and not stored in a tank. This is a great alternative for large families!
● Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient as they do not switch on to keep water heated which is not being requested like a tank water heater which has to constantly heat water and store it for use.
● Tankless water heaters are much smaller than tank water heaters saving space in your home or garage.
Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
● While these water heaters are more energy-efficient, saving money in the long run, they do have a higher upfront cost than a tank water heater.
● You may have to get plumbing or electrical upgrades before getting a tankless water heater. They can require larger gas lines or more electrical amps than a traditional tank water heater. This will add to the initial upfront cost.
● Tankless water heaters may have a harder time keeping up with your family’s demand for hot water as it must heat as it goes. If you tend to have a dishwasher, washing machine, and shower running at the same time frequently, this may not be the best option for you.
The Essency: Hybrid Water Heater
The Best of Both
Sun Plumbing is excited to offer the Essency EXR water heater to our customers. This innovative water heater combines technology to bring you the best of both tank and tankless water heaters.
● You can get 80 gallons of hot water delivered in an hour with the same size tank as the 55 gallon delivery.
● Built of polymer composite, scale cannot form in this tank prolonging its life. Engineered to last 30 years, this tank can outlast a standard tank water heater by 20 years!
● They are easy to install, requiring no upgrades.
● They come with a touch screen, making it easy to personalize your needs, such as desired water temperature.
The hot water stored in the tank transfers its heat to the water you are using as it runs through the heat exchanger making more hot water available to you. This hot water heater is so innovative that we invite you to check out more details on our website. We believe you will be impressed.
Conclusion
There are a variety of water heaters available, both tank and tankless, as well as the Essency EXR which is a tank water heater but boasts advantages of both tank and tankless water heaters. If your water heater needs servicing, repair, or replacement, Sun Plumbing is your local Melbourne, FL, plumbing company. We have been serving Brevard County for over 50 years and hope to be here for 50 more! We are expanding our knowledge, expertise, and capabilities, so whether you have a tank or tankless water heater or the awesome new Essency EXR, Sun Plumbing is the company for all your water heater needs!
