Water heaters come in all shapes and sizes, which is primarily why it’s in your best interest to know the difference! We’re used to seeing pictures of water heater tanks, but would it surprise you to learn that nearly half of all the water heaters in existence today don’t even use tanks? These are called on-demand water heaters and they’re extremely popular.
But these kinds of water heater upgrades aren’t for every customer or every home. This blog post is going to talk about several distinct types of water heaters and how water heater service in Cedar Rapids, IA might differ depending on which on you choose. The more informed you are about the technology and the services we offer, the more likely you’ll be to make a smart choice when your financial future depends on it.
So, let’s get into it. Keep reading to learn about the water heater system that might be absolutely perfect for your home!
Conventional Water Heaters
Conventional water heaters use a tank to store water and keep it warm. These tanks can be heated with electricity, natural gas, or other means. The reason why we call them “conventional” is because they’re the most common water heating appliances on the market and they tend to also be the most affordable.
If you’re looking to just replace your old water heater with a new one that doesn’t change things very much, then you might just want to install a new tank water heater. The heating element will depend on your preferred method of heating and the price of energy or fuel in your area–but these are great choices for many families.
If you’re looking for a tank water heater that’s a bit different, check out heat pump water heaters down below.
On-Demand Water Heaters
These water heaters are amazingly efficient. They heat water as it enters your house, removing the need for a tank and saving you a lot of space. These can be either electric or powered with natural gas, and they’re great at giving you nearly unlimited hot water (as long as you’ve got the energy for it).
However, they need to be sized correctly so the system isn’t trying to provide too much hot water all at the same time.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters are similar to conventional storage tank water heaters, except with one big change–they use the ambient heat in your home to keep warm. Just like a refrigerator moves heat to keep your groceries cool, a heat pump water heater works in reverse to keep your water hot.
These systems are efficient, eco-friendly, and exceptionally good at providing hot water. But they also tend to be more expensive then more conventional units.
Solar Water Heaters
We get an immense amount of energy from the sun, but most of it is either consumed by plant life or wasted. This energy can now be harnessed by solar panels and used in your water heater for practical, free, and easy hot water.
Technology is still advancing, meaning that solar water heaters are still expensive when compared to other conventional water heater systems. But they’re extremely efficient to the point where they can practically pay for themselves in just a few years. Like any solar appliance, this is an investment and with solid maintenance you’ll be able to see returns very quickly.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.