When shopping for water heaters, there are several kinds to choose from. Each of these appliances have their own advantages and disadvantages to know, and understanding these differences can help you select which type of hot water heater is best suited for your project.
We go over 5 of the most commonly used residential and commercial water heaters below, plus how N.E.T.R., Inc. can help you upgrade your water heater for less.
Traditional Tank Hot Water Heaters
The most common type of water heater we see is the traditional tank-style heater. This appliance uses a large, insulated storage tank to hold heated water at a specific temperature until it’s needed. Then, as hot water is removed from the top, cold water flows in from the bottom. Tank heaters are typically powered by either electricity, oil, or gas.
Pros
- Installation, maintenance, and repairs are easy
- Parts are readily available
- Newer models have excellent energy efficiency
- Most affordable upgrade option
Cons
- Heat loss naturally occurs as water is continuously kept warm
- Hot water can run out and leave you waiting for the tank to refill
What It’s Best For
- Standard water heating applications
Tankless Hot Water Heaters
Tankless or on-demand hot water heaters work immediately, heating water as it flows through the unit instead of drawing it from a source and eliminating the need for storage. Instead, cold water flows through the unit when a faucet or appliance is turned on, which is then warmed by a gas or electric heating element before delivery.
Pros
- These units never run out of hot water, so there’s no waiting for a tank to fill up again
- Since water is heated only when it’s in use, there is no ongoing energy loss
- Equipment takes up minimal space and can be installed in a variety of places
Cons
- Can be more expensive to install than tank-style hot water heaters
- May have difficulty keeping up when you’re using multiple hot water sources at the same time
What It’s Best For
- Homes and offices where physical space for a tank is limited
- Households with large familiesÂ
Heat Pump Hot Water Heaters
Like a ductless air conditioner, heat pump hot water heaters extract warmth from the surrounding air and use that to heat the water instead of generating it. However, these models still use a tank to store the water and keep it warm while it’s waiting to be used. Because it costs less to transfer heat than it does to generate it, heat pump hot water heaters are much more energy efficient than standard appliances.
Pros
- Lower electric bills
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Consistent water temps
Cons
- Heat pump water heaters can also be more expensive to install, but will save you more money over time
- Appliance must be installed in a room-temperature, well-ventilated space (for example, not in a cold, unfinished basement)
What It’s Best For
- Environmentally-conscious home and business owners
- People who want to cut future energy bills
Point-of-Use Hot Water Heaters
A point-of-use water heater is a smaller device that typically only serves one faucet or room. Similar to tankless heaters, they provide hot water right away without having to store water on-site.
Pros
- Immediate hot water
- Can be used with an existing water heater
Cons
- Unable to provide hot water to multiple sources
What It’s Best For
- Showers, laundry sinks, and other areas that need hot water fast without impacting other systems
Boilers
A boiler system heats your space by boiling water and pumping it through a series of pipes installed across your space. This accomplishes two things — keeping you comfortable and making sure there’s hot water ready for use.
Pros
- Heats your home or office and your water
Cons
- Needs more maintenance than standard systems due to its dual functionality
What It’s Best For
- In older homes where radiators or baseboard heating is already installed
Need a New Hot Water Heater? Call the Experienced Boston Plumbers at N.E.T.R., Inc.
If you’re in need of a new hot water heater, we can help you compare different models and explore the benefits of each. Contact us today to learn more about efficient water heating or to schedule installation by calling (781) 933-6387.
With over 35 years of experience helping Boston home and business owners keep their spaces comfortable and functional, our team has the expertise and skills to provide you with quality plumbing services you can count on.
