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Water Heaters: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Water Heaters: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Major part of your household budget is spent on water heating, particularly in winters. If you want to control your expenses, water heaters are a superb choice for everyone. All your billing frustrations will vanish away with less-energy consuming water heaters.

The technological advancements in water heaters enable them for reduction of 14-18% of utility bills. Moreover, the average household expenses on heating water for heaters are annual $400 to $600. Make your life more convenient by using energy-efficient, money-saving heaters.

Are you going to buy a new water heater? If yes, read this guide carefully to get an idea of which water heater is perfect for your needs.

Types of Water Heaters Based on Different Technology

Keeping energy efficiency in mind, there are various types of water heaters. Some of these claim to reduce fuel expenses by half to heat water. Almost every water heater type is present in the market in both forms, that is with a container and without it.

Here are some of the main types of water heaters having high popularity in the market.

1. Gas Water Heater

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Gas water heaters are available in two forms:

        Tank Form

        Tankless Form

No matter whether it has a tank or not, it will work properly in both cases. The tankless gas water heater will warm water immediately as water passes through the burner. Such heaters work on the functionality of instant geysers.

However, that energy can be stored in gas water tank heaters. In such heaters, hot water is pulled down from the top to replace the cold water. But you cannot do it all the time as you need a burner as well when the temperature of the environment drops even below the thermoset point.

Above all, these energy-saving heaters maintain the preset temperature in the environment. Besides that, there is no need to worry about factors such as turning on the burner, as there is a sensor that detects and turns ON the burner automatically when required.

Pros

        Fuel efficient

        Produce instant heat

        Cost friendly

        Have long-lasting lifespan

        Can store energy in the tank

        Workable even in extremely cold weather

Cons

        Built-in sensor may fail

        Need to switch on the burner

2. Electric Water Heater

There are two types available in the electric water heater type:

        Instant Electric Water Heater

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        Storage Electric Water Heater

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Electric water heaters are more energy-efficient than other ordinary conventional heaters. Almost all water heaters have a 240-volt battery source. It is equipped with a 30-amp circuit breaker and sheathed cable to prevent energy losses.

On turning ON the electric water heater, the voltage flow will urge electrons to move through the coil for heating up the resistance wire. Such heated resistant wire will heat water with greater efficiency.

Moreover, electric heaters have a long warranty life in both commercial and residential areas. High-quality thermostat is built in a water heater to control voltage and other circuitry elements of the heater.

Pros

        Controlled thermostat system

        Easy to use

        Consumes less energy than conventional electric heaters

        Durable

Cons

        Failure of controlled voltage supply

        Corrosion of heating coil

3. Solar Water Heater

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Solar water heaters are the most environmentally friendly source of keeping the atmosphere cozy. Such heaters absorb the heat directly from the sun and store it for water heating purposes.

All solar water heaters come with a mounted solar panel for solar energy absorption. When sun rays fall on these built-in solar panels, energy is transferred to another form. That stored energy is used to heat water in a storage tank around the circulation pipe.

Using such heaters will need some heavy investments but it will work long-lasting. By using solar water heaters, you will not only consume less energy but sustain non-renewable energy resources like coal and gas.

Pros

        Use Renewable heating energy source

        Conserve natural energy resources

        Easy to use

        Environment-friendly

Cons

        Can be failed in a severe storm in case of improper installation

        Needs heavy investment for once

4. Air Pump Water Heater

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Another reliable and durable water heater is an air pump water heater. Such heaters are very efficient in capturing heat from hot air. That captured air is transferred to the water for heating. Due to its top heating pump, this heater needs a 7-feet long clearance from ceiling to floor.

In view of functionality, air pump water heaters are hybrid designed having both outdoor conditioner and indoor air handler. The former one is used to reverse the temperature of surroundings whenever needed.

No matter whether the climate is cool or hot, you can use heat energy. In the presence of hot weather, this heater works oppositely to keep the indoor environment cool by releasing heat through the outdoor conditioner. Bring this two-in-one pumping water heater to raise your living standard.

Pros

        Saves 60% energy

        Lasts for 10-15 years

        Performs dual functions

        Environment-friendly

        Cost-efficient

        Can be used as a room coolant

Cons

        Risk of high condensation

        Causes noise pollution

        Not compatible with extreme weather conditions

        Work efficiently only in the temperature of 40° F to 90° F

Features to Consider Before Buying a Water Heater

No matter which type of water heater you buy, you should never ignore its reliability and durability. Here are some factors that you might want to consider before buying a good-quality water heater.

1- Energy Efficiency

Whenever you look for a water heater, make sure that it is energy efficient. The energy-efficient water heater will not only save your cost but also save the non-renewable energy resources in the environment. The energy or fuel you use in the heater not only affects its operational cost but efficiency as well. That’s why you need to choose a water heater wisely.

2- Warranty

The usual lifespan of water heaters is from three to twelve years. As you are going to pay a little more to have a long-warranty water heater, you should be very conscious about its functionality. One of the main specs of such water heaters is larger burners along with thick insulation for speedy heating with minimum heat loss.

3- Cost

Another important factor that you can never overlook is the cost of a water heater. If you think that a water heater is costly, compare the annual operational costs of its energy-efficient models with other heaters. Prefer to have an energy-efficient heater as it will pay back immediately by saving your annual expenses.

4- Size

Water heaters are available in various sizes and efficient operating systems. No matter whether you buy a small water heater or a large one, it will work instantly. It depicts that you should use a water heater according to your heating requirement. 

5- Glass-lined Tanks

If you are going to have a tank water heater, never go with unreliable ones because they will corrode immediately. Make sure to have a properly designed glass-lined tank in your heater to prevent corrosion.

6- Anti-Scale Devices

‘In some water heaters, minerals accumulate in the bottom of the tank leading to scale formation. Such scales can cause havoc in the heater operation. To keep your heater durable for a long life span, choose the one whose heating elements are made up of anti-scaling devices. Such anti-scale heaters will reduce mineral scale formation to enjoy the heater’s long-term warranty.

7- Digital Displays

Another feature that makes your water heater outstanding is a small digital display on it. Many solar water heaters are designed with digital displays to monitor temperature, pressure, and heater’s operation. Such heaters will also enable you to set a vacation mode for increasing its efficiency. Enjoy a visual display of collector temperature, pressure, and other readings on the heater.

Selection Criteria Based on Energy Consumption

After an in-depth research analysis on water heaters, we felt that energy consumption matters a lot. It’s because investing in a less expensive but high-energy-consumption heater will not pay you back in the long term. On the other hand, investing a little more for once can save you from heavy monthly, and annual expenditures.

If you are looking forward to buying a water heater, we will suggest you have an electric storage water heater.

It can cost you around $100-$200 and is much affordable for an initial purchase. Another big advantage is that it works in almost any climate condition.

Above all, tank storage water heaters are more energy-efficient, durable, and quick-responsive than tankless ones. Enjoy warm water in winters without getting worried about bills with less energy-consuming water heaters.