‘Don’t use up all the hot water!’ That’s something many of us hear on a regular basis. But how do you avoid this dilemma? The answer is simple: invest in a reliable water heater that meets the needs of your household. With so many options out there, selecting the right hot water system can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of hot water systems available so you can make an informed decision that’s best for your home and budget.
A Brief Review of Hot Water Systems
Generally speaking, hot water systems heat water in one of four ways: electricity, gas, solar, and heat pump technology. Below is a brief explanation of how each one of these systems work:
Electricity
Electric systems are the most common type of hot water system. Using electricity from your home’s main power source, they heat up either a tank or coil. Electric systems can be further divided into off-peak, instantaneous, and storage models.
Gas
Gas systems use natural gas, propane, or other combustible gases as their power source. Gas hot water systems heat the water directly, heating up either a tank or coil. When you turn on your taps, hot water is drawn from the system and replaced with cold.
Solar
Solar hot water systems work by harnessing the sun’s power through outdoor energy panels and using it to initiate heat exchangers that transfer heat to the water supply. The benefits of using a solar hot water system are significant in terms of energy savings, cost reduction and environmental sustainability, as they don’t rely on power from the grid or burning fossil fuels to work.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) work by taking heat from the surrounding air and transferring it into the water. They require very little energy to operate, resulting in lower operating costs than traditional models.
Storage Tank Water Heaters vs. Instant Water Heaters: What’s the Difference?
Aside from the way in which they heat water, water heaters can be further classified based on their tank size and type.
Storage Tank Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters are the most common type of water heater, and have been around for decades. They use an insulated tank to store hot water until it’s needed. The advantage of a storage tank is that it can provide hot water for multiple uses at once, such as showers and washing dishes.
Instant Water Heaters
Instant water heaters, also known as on-demand or tankless water heaters, are a newer type of water heater that only heats up the water when you need it. Because they don’t store hot water in a large tank,
Is a Storage Tank or Instant Water Heater Better for a Large Home?
A storage tank water heater is a good choice for large homes that require larger amounts of hot water, while an instant hot water system is better suited to smaller households that don’t use much hot water at once.
But of course, this is all subjective. Picking the right type of water heater means taking the time to consider not only your home’s size, but also your specific usage patterns and budget.
When selecting a water heater, it is important to consider not only the upfront cost of purchasing one, but also the long-term operating costs associated with running it. The size and fuel type you choose can have a big impact on your energy bills.
Remember Rebates
Several government-partnered incentives, can help you reduce the upfront cost of installing an instant hot water system. This could mean hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in savings, so it’s definitely worth looking into before settling on any kind of purchase decision.
Speak to a licensed plumber about your hot water system needs and make sure to ask about available rebates. With the right information on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that works best for your home.
