Did you know there are several different types of water heaters you can have installed in your home? You’re probably the most familiar with conventional water heaters. They’re pretty standard with most houses, but it’s not the only option. You can choose from a tankless water heater, a heat pump, a solar water heater, and even condensing water heaters. Each one has its pros and cons so we wanted to break them down so you know the best option that’s right for your home and your family.
Conventional: Since it’s the most common one we’ll talk about the conventional water heater first. Upfront, the cost is less expensive than other water heaters. In addition to that, having this unit installed would end up being less expensive. No matter what climate you’re in, especially with the Texas heat, your water heater will cooperate delivering a seamless performance.
Tankless: This water heater has been around for a few years now, but recently it’s becoming more popular. One of the biggest advantages is that it’s more compact than other water heaters, especially the conventional one. Instead of water filling up the tank to heat up, the tankless water heater only heats up the water when you need it. Ultimately, this ends up saving you money in your energy bill month to month.
Heat Pump: The heat pump water heater is another money-saving system helping you consume an average of 60% less energy than the normal water heater we’re used to. It can also be the most effective in terms of the energy it uses. Another benefit is how little maintenance it needs. Most of these systems should be checked yearly by an energy-efficient HVAC specialist, however, a heat pump water heater can do a self-assessment. This means your regular check-ups from the specialist only needs to be 3 to 5 years.
Solar: This one is rather unique and it’s perfect for sunny Texas. Solar water heaters are probably the most efficient when it comes to price and performance. Because it relies on sunlight to heat up the water, your energy bill is virtually nothing each month for using the water heater. On top of that, you might be able to get a tax credit because you’re using solar energy.
Condensing: The final one on this list is the condensing water heater. While it runs on natural gas, it’s designed to use less of it than other water heaters. Similar to the tankless water heater, the water is heated up almost instantly because of how the tank is constructed, but you’re still able to cut your energy costs by 30%.