Water Heater Installation: Picking The Right Water Heater Type For Your Home | Richardson, TX
A water heater heats water for you to use in your home. In an ideal world, water heaters would last forever. However, the average water heater only lasts about 10 to 12 years. When it’s time for water heater installation or replacement in Richardson, TX, you may realize that there are several types of water heaters, each with its pros and cons. With so many options in the market, you should understand these different types of water heaters to make the best decision possible.
To help you make an informed decision about water heater installation, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the types of water heaters available and the pros and cons of each.
Types of Water Heaters
Conventional Water Heaters
A conventional water heater (also known as a tank water heater) is very common, and likely the one most people are familiar with. These heaters are powered by natural gas or electricity, although there are some models that use liquid propane or oil. These water heaters contain a large insulated tank in which about 30 to 80 gallons of water (depending on the tank’s size) are stored.
Cold water is heated and kept in the insulated tank until you are ready to use it. As the water is used or drops below a specific temperature when not in use, the unit reheats the water. This process goes on continually, meaning whether you use the hot water or not, you are paying for it.
Some of the benefits of conventional water heaters include:
- Lower initial cost: You’ll likely spend less on initial costs for a conventional water heater.
- Lower installation costs: Installation costs less for a conventional water heater.
- Efficiency across different climates: No matter where you live, you can relax knowing this water heater will function perfectly.
- A ready supply of hot water
- Long-lasting
Some of the cons of conventional water heaters include:
- You pay for hot water 24/7: These water heaters constantly heat water to maintain it at the designated temperature.
- Large and bulky: These water heaters tend to be large due to the tank.
- Susceptibility to water damage: These water heaters are vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
- The availability of water depends on the size of the tank
Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heater
Tankless water heaters have no tanks. Water is heated as needed when extremely hot coils fill with water. These water heaters can offer near-limitless hot water for your home. This tank is perfect for heating water quickly, even for larger households that require a lot of hot water.
Tankless water heaters come in different sizes, and you need to ensure you have the right size before water heater installation. A small heater will be unable to keep up with your needs resulting in cold or lukewarm water.
Some of the pros of tankless water heaters include:
- Instant hot water: These heaters provide instant hot water when needed.
- Saving on space: Since these heaters don’t have a tank, they don’t take up much space.
- Lower monthly costs: Since these heaters don’t heat water constantly, your energy costs should decrease.
The cons of tankless water heaters include:
- Higher initial cost: A tankless heater’s initial purchase cost is higher than a conventional water heater.
- Limited hot water supply: For a large family, hot water may run out should the demand become too much.
- High installation cost
- It can be expensive to operate
- No outstanding benefit compared to other inexpensive options
Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heater
This water heater is unique because it uses heat in the air and ground to heat water rather than using a direct power source. These water heaters capture heat in the air and ground and pump it through the system to heat the water. This means that electricity is only used to move heat from the air and ground to the water instead of the alternatives where heat is used to generate heat. A hybrid water heater installation in Richardson, TX can help you use up to 60% less electricity than other alternatives.
Some of the pros of a heat pump water heater include:
- Lower energy costs
- Energy efficiency
- Lower maintenance costs
- Environmental friendliness
Some of the cons of a hybrid water heater include:
- These water heaters can be expensive to buy
- They require a warm region
- They require a large space (up to eight feet of vertical space)
- Low lifespan
Solar-Powered Water Heater
Solar-powered water heaters are among the most energy-efficient and rely on roof-mounted solar panels to heat water. Energy is transmitted to a closed-loop system containing material that conducts heat, which heats water in the tank.
Solar water heater installation can save money on particularly hot days and works well for those who live in warm regions. However, this heater usually needs a backup plan like electricity or natural gas so that you can have hot water during rainy or cloudy days.
Some of the benefits of solar water heaters include:
- It’s environmentally friendly
- Energy efficiency
- Less expensive in the long run
- Lower energy bills
- Tax credit eligibility
The cons of solar water heaters include:
- Only good for warm climates
- High purchase and installation cost
- Rooftop space requirements for solar panels
Condensing Water Heater
Condensing water heater installation is a good option for you if your house uses natural gas as an energy source. This water heater funnels heat released from the natural gas system and uses it to heat water which is held in a tank. Very little energy is used to heat water aside from the gas already burned elsewhere. This water heater utilizes a tank, so you’ll need to buy one that’s large enough for your home.
Some of the pros of condensing water heaters include:
- It’s better for the environment
- It’s cheaper to operate
- Has a high energy efficiency
Some of the cons of condensing water heaters include:
- The heater is only suitable for homes that use natural gas
- The heater is bulky
- It’s best suited for homes with year-round heating
Choose bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas for Quality Water Heater Installation Services
As your plumbing company of choice in Richardson, TX, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas serves the community 24/7, 365 days a year. When you need water heater installation, we’re just one call away. Installation of water heaters can be complex. Unless you know what you are doing, best leave it to the experts. When you choose the type of heater you want, our technicians will install it for you, test the unit to ensure no leaks develop, and answer any questions you may have.
Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas at 469-573-2535 or book an appointment online for quality water heater installation services.
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