Today’s homeowners have more options than ever when it comes to water heater installation. In addition to a range of traditional water heater choices, they also have the option of switching to a tankless or hybrid alternative. Needless to say, it can all get a little overwhelming.
The Best Water Heater for Modern Homes
It may be tempting to assume that the best water heater for every family must be a tankless model because these units represent the latest technological advancements. However, that’s just not always the case. Instead of making generalizations, this article will offer detailed information about the key features, benefits, and drawbacks of not just tankless and traditional water heaters, but also hybrid water heater models.
Storage Tank Water Heater Installation
Storage tank water heaters are still the most commonly found models in modern homes. They’re what come to mind when people think about traditional water heaters.
How They Work
A traditional water heater operates on fairly simple principles. The water gets heated up and stored in an insulated tank. From there, it gets released into your home’s plumbing system and rerouted as needed. They can be powered by either gas or electricity and must be sized correctly to meet the household’s hot water demands.
Pros of Traditional Water Heaters
Many homeowners still prefer traditional water heaters because they:
- Are less expensive to purchase and install
- Can meet most families’ hot water demands
Cons of Traditional Water Heaters
There are also some drawbacks to installing a traditional water heater, such as:
- Shorter lifespan
- Lower energy efficiency than an on demand water heater
- Greater height and width are now required to meet federal regulations, which can make it difficult to fit newer models in the same spaces during a water heater replacement
Tankless Water Heater Installation
Unlike traditional models, a tankless water heater provides hot water on demand. This newer technology is becoming more popular every year.
How They Work
Tankless water heaters feature heating elements capable of producing hot water on demand. They can run on either gas or electricity and offer a range of gallons-per-minute (GPM) ratings. Each household can be equipped with one or more tankless units, depending on its residents’ needs.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
Also known as an on demand water heater, a tankless model provides numerous benefits over traditional alternatives. They include:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Smaller footprint
- Greater longevity than either traditional or heat pump models
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
When it comes to tankless water heater pros and cons, not all of the points fall on the “pro” side. Tankless water heaters also have some drawbacks, such as:
- Greater initial investment cost
- Potential inability to keep up with the demands of large households
- Need for frequent water heater repair in older models
Hybrid Water Heater Installation
The final option to consider is the hybrid unit, also known as a heat pump water heater. This type of hot water heater is much less common than the two already discussed.
How They Work
A hybrid or heat pump water heater has both a tank and a heat pump. It uses electricity to move heat from the air into the water. However, hybrid water heaters can also heat water directly during periods of high usage. Most have control panels that allow you to switch from regular to hybrid or high-demand mode.
Pros of Hybrid Water Heaters
As with tankless water heater pros and cons, there are both benefits and drawbacks to installing a heat pump hot water heater. The top benefits include:
- Far greater energy efficiency, which leads to lower operational costs
- Ability to cool and dehumidify the air
- Adaptability to accommodate high-demand situations
- Longer lifespan than traditional models
Cons of Hybrid Water Heaters
If you’re considering a water heater replacement, there’s no guarantee that a hybrid model will be right for you. Consider the drawbacks before purchasing one, such as:
- Inability to work in spaces with low ceilings due to the heat pump’s location
- Lack of suitability for spaces that get colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit
- Substantial space requirements of roughly 1,000 cubic feet to accommodate heat draw
- Shorter lifespan than tankless units
Reach Out for Help
Whether you need water heater repair services or want to discuss making the switch to a new type of unit, you can trust Home Choice Plumbing to help. We have experience working with all forms of water heaters and can thus offer a maximum range of options. If you’re still feeling confused about which type of water heater will best meet the household’s needs, give us a call. We’ll help you find a model that will satisfy all of your family’s requirements.
If you need water heater services in Jupiter, FL, or the surrounding areas, contact the experts at Home Choice Plumbing online, or give us a call at (561) 531-2366. Our friendly and knowledgeable professionals are standing by to assist you.