What Are My Options for Residential Water Heaters?

Is it time to replace your water heater? Or perhaps you're considering a more energy efficient unit. A water heater is one of the most important appliances in a household and you'll be amazed at the amount of money an efficient unit can save you in energy costs. There are three main types of water heaters to choose from, each with their own unique benefits and abilities.

The first and most common is the tank type heater. Also called storage water heaters, this type of heater is available in both gas and electric fuel sources. In a tank water heater, cold water is moved into the tank and is then heated by the fuel source the tank uses. The hot water is then stored in the insulated tank, awaiting use. If the water is stored for an extended period of time, the unit will re-activate and heat the water to the desired temperature. This method results in a constant supply of affordable hot water, which accounts for its popularity. These units have the advantage of consuming energy at a relatively low rate, and then storing it for later use.

The second, and increasingly popular, type of water heating unit is the tankless water heater. This type of water heater is approximately the size of a small cabinet, and can be installed virtually anywhere. This allows the unit to be installed closer to the point of use, therefore decreasing the wait time for hot water. As opposed to a tank type heater which stores hot water as it awaits use, tankless water heaters activate only when needed, making them an energy-efficient choice. This is because their unique design does not waste energy in continuously heating a large tank of water. This type of unit often qualifies for utility company rebates and/or state and federal tax credits.

The third and final type of water heating unit is the solar water heater. The primary benefit in using this type of system is that it uses a completely free energy source: the sun. In a solar heating system, heat is transferred from a solar collector either directly or indirectly to the water, causing it to become heated. The water is then stored in an insulated storage tank where it awaits use. When the sun is not shining, hot water is supplemented by a secondary conventional heating unit. This creates a steady supply of hot water regardless of the weather. In a direct circulation system, the water flows directly through the solar collector. In an indirect circulation system, a non-freezing liquid is pumped through the solar collector, where the heat is transferred to the water. This prevents freezing on days of harsh weather. As the sun is a constant and free supply of energy, this type of water heating system will protect you from fuel price changes and/or shortages, making this unit a wise investment. And with an average of 300 sunny days per year, Denver is one of the best locations in the country to install solar water heating. Solar water heating systems may also qualify for utility company rebates/and or federal tax credits.