A Guide to the Different Types of Water Heaters

Let’s face it. Most of us don’t know a single thing about water heaters other than they heat the water for our homes. The water heater is something no one thinks about until it suddenly stops working. Then it’s a big deal that can create some panic in a household. When this happens, it is worth taking some time to learn about the different types of water heaters that are available.

And whenever you find yourself in need of repairs or replacement, the crew at Moore Heating has you covered. We will make sure you are ready for the Alaska weather.

Choosing from all of the different options for water heaters can feel overwhelming and confusing. We’ve streamlined your search for you with this guide as you decide the best fit for your needs.

Understanding Different Types of Water Heaters

Traditional Tank Water Heater

Tank water heaters store a heated water supply for your home. The size of the tank will determine how much hot water you have available to use at any given time. You need to make sure the tank gets an interior cleaning periodically. This maintenance will increase the water heater’s hygiene, effectiveness, and lifespan.

Typically, a tank water heater is the most affordable option that you can purchase. It also usually has the lowest installation cost, as well. Traditional systems do come with higher energy bills than some other options. Because a tank water heater needs to keep the whole tank of water hot, it requires a significant amount of fuel.

Tankless Water Heater

Popular in Europe, tankless water heaters have gained momentum in the United States, too. They are a fantastic choice for small spaces and large families. They use heating mechanisms to produce hot water on demand rather than storing heated water in a storage tank. No more cold showers!

Since tankless water heaters only need a box to hold the heating exchange hardware, they take up much less space. They will need occasional cleaning and maintenance to keep running smoothly. The cost of a tankless water heater is much more than that of a standard system. But many homeowners find that the energy savings offset the initial cost over the life of the water heater.

Heat Pump Water Heater

This type of water heater is a tank-style system that uses the natural energy in the ground and air to heat your water. It uses electricity only to transfer the heat from the earth or the surrounding air to the tank of water. It does not generate electricity to create heat. This type of water heater is much more energy-efficient than standard tank heaters.

Note that this type of water heater will need more space than a traditional water heater since it can require up to eight feet of vertical clearance. Heat pump water heaters are not a great choice in colder climates or if they will go in a basement. They must have adequate heat to pull and transfer.

Solar-Powered Water Heater

This style uses the power of the sun to heat your water. Through roof-mounted solar panels, the appliance gets all the energy it needs from the big yellow ball in the sky. This type of hot water system uses a tank and will require maintenance of the solar panels to ensure a long life. These types of water heaters are very expensive to purchase and install but have tremendously low energy bills.

Moore Heating to the Rescue

No one ever wants to deal with replacing big appliances, but if a water heater is on your need-to-buy list, reach out to Moore Heating today. Our friendly team will walk you through choosing the right system for your needs and will install it quickly.