Four main types of water heaters – which one is best for you?

You probably have experienced a shock of cold water while taking a shower! Most likely it was your water heater running out of hot water. This may be due to the age of your water heater, pressure problems, leaking or other plumbing issues.

In the past, most people chose to buy a water heater similar to the last one and why not! Water heater technology hasn’t advanced much over the last century until now.

 Before you invest on your next water heater, it is important for you to know the four main types of water heaters and decide which one id the best for you.

1. Storage water heaters
A single-family storage water heater offers a ready reservoir -- from 20 to 80 gallons -- of hot water.
It operates by releasing hot water from the top of the tank when you turn on the hot water tap. To replace that hot water, cold water enters the bottom of the tank, ensuring that the tank is always full.
Conventional storage water heater fuel sources include natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity.

2. Demand water heaters
Provide hot water only as it is needed. They don't produce the standby energy losses associated with
storage water heaters, which can save you money.

3. Heat pump water heaters
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly. Therefore, they can be two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters. To move the heat, heat pumps work like a refrigerator in reverse.

4. Solar water heaters
Solar water heaters -- also called solar domestic hot water systems -- can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use -- sunshine -- is free.

How do you decide what’s best?
What water heater will save you the most money while providing you with the most hot water when you need it.
Here are three pieces of information you need to look for:
1. Peak hour demand capacity: It tells you how much hot water is delivered in a busy hour
2. Ratting efficiency: The best indicator is the energy factor (EF). A higher EF, the better
3. Cost comparison: This is the factor that most keep in mind


As you can see, it can be a bit complicated to make a decision. If you don't know which one will be best for your home and you need an expert opinion, please contact BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PLUMBING today, and one of our water heater experts will be happy to help you.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for a dree water heater consultation:

St Lucie           (772) 236-6080
Martin             (772) 214-38-48
Palm Beach     (561) 316-9007
Indian River   (772) 617-0370