Several types of water heaters are available for home use—tank, tankless, solar-powered, condenser, and hybrid. However, each option comes with advantages and disadvantages, and determining the type that suits you depends on your home’s efficiency and water system. To figure out your best option, rely on an experienced home plumbing service.
Hicks Plumbing is a top plumbing service provider serving the Chantilly, VA, and Northern Virginia area. We have an excellent track record for customer service and high-quality workmanship, with numerous customers returning to and referring us. We perform water heater repairs and replacements as well as plumbing maintenance in sewer lines, water lines, drains, and more.
Below, we list 5 types of water heaters available for homeowners:
Storage Tank
Storage tank water heaters are the most common models in households and buildings across the US. Their characteristic insulated tank holds and heats the water before it’s distributed throughout a structure through pipes.
Their heating elements can have different fuel sources, including natural gas or electricity. Compared to electric water heaters, natural gas heaters have a larger upfront cost lower operational costs over time.
Storage tank water heaters should be replaced every 10 years or so if they don’t already show signs of breaking down. Should the latter occur, call Hicks Plumbing for gas and electric water heater maintenance. We can also replace your home’s old water heater with a new model.
Tankless or “On-Demand”
A tankless water heater uses heating coils to raise the temperature of the water when you turn them on. Thus, some folks call it the “on-demand” water heater.
While more efficient than storage tank models, tankless water heaters have a distinct limitation— they provide a specific amount of hot water per minute (approximately 3.5 gallons). However, homeowners who draw water for one thing at a time—running water in the kitchen sink or for their shower—will find this limitation poses no problem.
Like storage tank models, tankless water heaters come in natural gas and electric models. Thus, the same disparity in running costs exists applies to them: natural gas models are preferable to the more expensive electric models.
By the nature of their functions, water heaters work constantly within your home, especially tankless models. It’s important to know when they need maintenance, as well as the professional plumbing service to contact when that time comes.
Heat Pump/Hybrid
Among the most energy-efficient water heaters available, heat pumps—or hybrid water heaters—capture heat from the air and use it to raise water temperature.
These models have their benefits and limitations. First, they cost quite a bit more than electric-only water heaters but make a quick return on investment. They also work best in areas with temperatures that remain between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
Finally, hybrid water heaters need a lot of room for installation—around 7 to 8 feet from floor to ceiling, 1000 cubic feet of space to capture air, and a drain nearby to release any condensation.
Heat pump water heaters are a great home appliance, as they boost your home’s energy efficiency. Contact an expert at Hicks Plumbing to see whether your home has a feasible infrastructure for one.
Solar-Powered
Another high-efficiency water heater is the solar kind. These models require a solar cell mounted on a roof, which absorbs heat from the sun then transfers it through a closed-loop system into a water tank.
These water heaters suit sunny and warm climates well. Indeed, they may be less effective in temperate areas with shifting weather patterns. However, most solar-power water heaters have backup systems that activate when needed.
Condensing
Finally, the condensing water heater tweaks the storage-tank water heater design for increased efficiency. Condensing water heaters have tanks that store the water, where it will be heated, but also a coil at the base of the unit, where exhaust gases from the heating element are sent.
There, the excess gas heats the cold water entering the tank, absorbing every bit of heat possible within the unit to ensure the highest level of efficiency possible.
Hicks Plumbing: Reputable Home Plumbing Service in Chantilly, VA
Hot water is among the most basic needs provided in modern households. It’s required on a daily basis, which is why it is important to have the best water heater installation in your home. With a quality home plumbing service like Hicks Plumbing, you can maintain your home’s current water heater far beyond its lifespan through our excellent repair and maintenance services, as well as receive affordable replacement when needed. We also offer trenchless sewer line repair, drain cleaning, emergency plumbing services, and more. Contact us today at (703) 803-7466 to find out more about our services and get a free estimate.