How Many Types of Water Heaters Are There?

There are several different kinds of water heaters on the market, but the most common by far are traditional tank water heaters and tankless models – with some hybrids and solar models thrown in for good measure. If you’re interested in exploring your options when it comes to your home’s water heater, a well-respected Media, Pennsylvania, plumbing company has got you covered.

Tank Water Heaters

As water heaters go, the tank style is both the most common and the most straightforward. A heating element heats the water as it enters the system, and the hot water is then stored in the tank until it’s used. This style of water heater can hold up to 80 gallons of water, and they are a relatively inexpensive option.

As water is used, the element heats the amount necessary to replace it, and the cycle continues. Tank water heaters keep the water in them heated whether it’s being used or not, which makes this a less energy-efficient option. New models do, however, have considerably more insulation, which improves their efficiency. Another issue with tank water heaters is that they take up a significant amount of space – making them less than ideal for some smaller homes.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are real space savers, and because they heat only the water you use – as you use it – they get high marks for energy efficiency. This style of water heater quickly heats water as it passes through a brief network of super-heated coils. Some of its advantages include:

• They take up very little space and can even be mounted on walls.
• They offer improved energy efficiency and don’t waste energy by keeping water hot when you’re not using it.
• They can provide you with hot water on the spot.

On the flip side, however, this kind of water heater is more expensive to purchase, is more challenging and more costly to install, and may not be able to keep up with your household’s hot water needs if you use several plumbed fixtures at once. 

Some of the Other Water Heaters Out There

Some of the other kinds of water heaters that are available on the market include the following:

• Point-of-use water heaters that only supply hot water to one plumbing fixture at a time
• Solar water heaters that work much like tank heaters but are powered at least partially by the sun
• Hybrid water heaters that use a heat pump to harness heat from the air and ground and use it to heat the water in a tank, making it a tank water heater with an alternative energy source

A Trusted Springfield, PA, Plumbing Company Can Help with Your Hot Water Needs

Each of the systems discussed above – along with the other options available – comes with its own pros and cons. The seasoned plumbing professionals at DiGravio Plumbing and Heating will help you balance your home’s needs with your priorities – helping you to choose the right water heating system for you in the process. We have decades of experience ensuring that our valued customers have ample hot water, and we welcome the opportunity to also serve you. Learn more about what we can do to help by contacting us online or calling us at 610-565-5870 today.