Water heaters are used every day in households, so they should be of high quality for better performance and comfort. If you are planning to replace the old heater in the old house or buy a new heater for a new home, make a list of the types of heaters and the brands that sell them. Heaters are not bought frequently and are a major investment, so be mindful while purchasing one. This blog discusses the types of water heaters, especially the electric ones, in detail.
Tips to Choose the Best Water Heater
Know the age and performance of the current water heater- Determine the health of the heater elements, check if the warranty period is left or expired, and if you run short of hot water frequently. If there's an issue with these parameters, it’s time to buy a new water heater without giving a second thought.
Get the Heater Inspected Proactively- Hire a plumber, get the water heater inspected, and replace it before it’s too late, because if any issue crops up, it gets difficult to deal with the problem.
Know the Fuel Type- Knowing the type of fuel used in your heater helps you buy the right product. Heaters that run on gas cost less than those running on electricity, but electric models are more efficient and produce no emissions.
Type of Water Heater- Compare the pros and cons of tank and tankless water heaters to determine which is more suitable. Tankless heaters are known to be more energy efficient compared to tank heaters and provide a continuous hot water supply.
Consider the Smart Features- Look for in-built features in the heater, such as an indicator to let you know the amount of water left in the tank, energy saving mode, energy usage tracker, leak detection, and prevention.
The Best Water Heater Brands
Though there are several heater brands available in the market, here are a few brands that are well known for their water heaters:
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A.O. Smith
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GE
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Kenmore
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Rheem
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Whirlpool
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Bosch
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LG
List of Electric Water Heaters
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Performance Platinum 40 Gal. Smart High Efficiency Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater. It has a 10-Year Warranty.
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Performance Platinum 80 Gal. Smart High Efficiency Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater. It has a 10-Year Warranty.
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A.O. Smith Signature 900 50-Gallon Tall 10-year Limited Warranty 4500-Watt Double Element Electric Water Heater with Hybrid Heat Pump.
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A.O. Smith Signature 900 80-Gallon Tall 10-year Limited Warranty 4500-Watt Double Element Electric Water Heater with Hybrid Heat Pump.
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Performance Platinum 65 Gal. Smart High Efficiency Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater with 10-Year Warranty.
Types of Electric Water Heaters
Electric tank and tankless water heaters are considered among the most energy-efficient types, but they vary in efficiency and cost. Electric tanked heaters cost more, but tankless heaters are cost-effective because they consume less energy.
Electric Tankless Water Heater
These heaters are known to provide instant hot water. Though it costs more at the time of purchase, it helps save on energy bills.
Pros
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It is more durable compared to standard electric heaters.
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It needs less space.
Cons
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It has a high initial cost.
Storage Tank Models
The conventional storage tank water heater is one of the most common types of water heaters that continuously store heated water. It is versatile because it can run on natural gas, propane, electricity, and even oil. Their tank capacity is 30-80 gallons.
Pros
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When compared to the heat-pump model, it has a low purchasing and installing cost.
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It heats water in less time.
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It can fit into both large and compact spaces.
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The electric model of storage tank water heaters operates efficiently in all weather conditions.
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Their repair and replacement cost is low.
Cons
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It is less efficient than heat pump water heaters and gas tankless units.
Other Water Heaters You Can Consider
Water heaters vary in cost depending on energy efficiency and installation costs. Here are the non-electric water heaters, with their pros and cons, to help you choose the right one for your home.
Tankless or on-demand Water Heaters
These heaters don’t store hot water; they heat water as it passes through the unit's series of coils. It is more energy efficient than a traditional storage-tank water heater because tankless heaters don’t have to store unused hot water for long periods. It heats water as and when you need it.
Pros
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It occupies less storage space.
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It has less risk of leaks because these tanks don’t hold water.
Cons
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It is more expensive than traditional units.
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To ensure the appliance has a sufficient hot water supply, you may need additional units.
Solar Water Heaters
It works in an interesting way. It has solar tanks and collectors that heat the tank water by absorbing solar energy. Solar water heaters have different types of collectors and distinct mechanisms for transferring heat. In one of the processes, ideal for warm climates, water is circulated directly from the solar collectors into the storage tank. The other process is best suited for colder regions, operates in a closed-loop system that uses an antifreeze-like liquid, and passes through a heat exchanger to transfer heat to water in a storage tank.
Pros
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As it uses solar energy, it is an eco-friendly alternative.
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It helps save on energy bills during summers.
Cons
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It is expensive and can cost between $1,000 to $5,000 or even more.
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Provisions for cloudy days and even for increased demand days are recommended.
Conclusion
Buying the best electric heater requires detailed information, including pros and cons, because your choice can affect energy consumption, which in turn impacts energy bills. Electric heaters are divided into tank and tankless heaters. Therefore, knowing about tank and tankless electric heaters can help you decide which is right for you.
