Water heaters provide hot water to various plumbing fixtures like showers and faucets. These heaters are available in multiple types, each with a different working mechanism and features. Here are the main types of water heaters.
Storage Water Heaters
When a storage water heater’s hot tap gets turned on, hot water flows from the tank’s top section. The tank can hold between 20 and 80 gallons of heated water. The tank has a dip tube at the bottom that acts as the inlet for cold water. Storage water heaters use propane, electricity, natural gas, or fuel oil to heat cold water.
A storage water heater heats the water to a specific preset temperature. As a result, standby heat losses and energy wastage can occur even when the hot water tap isn’t on. The availability of insulated tanks in some storage water heater models helps prevent heat losses and minimize energy bills.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters solve heat loss problems caused by storage water heaters by heating water only when necessary. These water heaters don’t require storage tanks to heat water. Instead, an electric element or gas burner within the heat exchanger unit heats cold water. That provides a steady and instant hot water supply, although the amount might be low.
Low water amounts from the heater mean multiple faucets in a home may not simultaneously produce hot water. A possible solution is to install a tankless water heater for each appliance, which is costly for many homeowners.
Heat Pump Water Heater
A heat pump’s working mechanism is similar to that of a refrigerator but in reverse. While traditional heaters directly generate heat, a heat pump moves existing heat within the unit to warm cold water.
When you turn on a hot water tap, the heat pump will release warm air via a fan. The warm air will heat a refrigerant that passes through a compressor to raise the temperature. The warm refrigerant will then enter the water heater via evaporator coils and transfer heat to the water.
The fact that heat pump water heaters don’t use a lot of electricity makes them energy-efficient and eco-friendly options. Also, heat pump water heaters have rebates and tax incentives that make them cheaper.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters use solar energy to heat water. Here are the major types of solar water heaters.
Active Solar Water Heaters
Active solar water heaters have two types of circulation: direct and indirect. Direct circulation systems have pumps that transport hot water into homes via collectors. In contrast, indirect circulation systems use heat exchangers and collectors to pump hot water into homes.
Passive Solar Water Heaters
Unlike active solar water heaters, passive solar heaters are cheaper, last longer, and can be more dependable. Passive solar water heaters come in two types: integral collector storage tanks and thermosyphon systems.
An integral collector storage tank allows sunlight to heat water through a transparent material that covers the storage tank. A thermosyphon system consists of a roof collector that heats the water before directing it into the plumbing system.
Condensing Storage Tank Water Heaters
Like the traditional storage water heater, the condensing storage tank water heater has a hot water reservoir. Condensing water heaters have more energy-efficient heat transfer mechanisms, which include larger surface areas for water condensation. These water heaters also come with technological advancements like more efficient heat exchangers, burners, and improved insulation.
Your water heating system’s efficiency, effectiveness, and durability largely depend on its maintenance. Apollo Heating, Air & Plumbing provides excellent water heater repair and maintenance services. Many customers have benefited from our high-quality services for over 40 years. Contact us today to get a quote.