Helpful Plumbing Tips

5 Types of Water Heaters & How They Work

Water heaters come in several variants, and it can be difficult for you to decide which one to purchase for your home. They all have their pros and cons, and the choice will mainly depend on your own needs and preferences. While it’s best to turn to experienced water heater repair specialists in Corona, CA for assistance when making your choice, why not first learn more about the different types of water heaters? Let’s see what they are. 

What are the five types of water heaters and how do they work?

There are five main types of water heaters you will be able to choose from. Each of these types operate using different principles, and each one is suited for different purposes and requirements. They vary in energy efficiency and the technology they use to function, and they are: 

  • Traditional storage tank water heaters
  • Tankless water heaters
  • Heat pump water heaters
  • Solar water heaters
  • Condensing water heaters

How do different water heaters work?

Now that you are familiar with the five types of heaters, it’s time to take a closer look into how each one works:

Conventional storage tank heater

This is the most common type of water heater, and it features a tank for holding water. The capacity of the heater conditions the amount of water you are able to heat and have available. The water tank is insulated, allowing water to remain heated when it’s turned off. 

This tank has two valves – one for controlling pressure and one for controlling the temperature. Once the temperature of water exceeds 120 degrees, the temperature control valve opens and releases heat and moderates the water temperature. The pressure valve opens when the pressure reaches approximately 150 psi. 

Tankless heater

This is a water heater that implements modern technology and allows for an almost endless supply of hot water. It doesn’t have a tank, but it does have super-heated coils that can heat water extremely quickly when you need it. 

Tankless water heaters come in different sizes, and it is important to purchase an adequate one for your household to ensure optimal heating capacity and efficiency. These models are suitable for homes that use natural gas for heating, but large ones will either require a bigger gas line or an expansion to the electrical capacity of your home. 

Heat pump heater

Another name for heat pump water heaters is hybrid water heaters. It uses heat in the ground and the air to heat water. It only uses electricity to transport heat from the air or ground to the water, instead of using it to directly heat the water. You should only leave plenty of room for this water heater, as the pump is usually on the top and it can require up to 8 feet of clearance. 

Solar powered heater

Solar powered water heaters use the energy of the sun to heat the water in your home. They are best suited for homes that already have solar panels installed. Otherwise, the installation costs of both the panels and the heater would be too large. 

The energy is transferred to the heater through a closed-loop system that contains material for conducting heat. It is this material that actually heats the water in your home. However, during cloudy days, this type of system requires a back-up plan in order to have enough hot water for your household. 

Condensing heater

This type of water heater uses unused gas fumes from your home to heat the water. It is probably the best option for those homes that are already using natural gas as their main energy source. It also has a tank for storing and heating water. It heats water by funneling the unused fumes from your home’s heating system through a coil at the bottom of the tank.

What are the benefits of different types of water heaters?

Finally, let’s explore what benefits each of the five types of water heaters can bring to you if you decide to install them. 

  • Conventional water heaters: The main benefits of conventional water heaters are ease of installation, low price, and relatively low maintenance costs. 
  • Tankless water heaters: These water heaters are very energy efficient, as they heat water only on demand rather, and they offer hot water exactly when you need it. 
  • Heat pump water heaters: The main benefit of heat pump water haters is that it can consume up to 60% less electricity than conventional water heaters. 
  • Solar powered water heaters: Solar powered heaters are extremely environmentally-friendly and they leave a minimal carbon footprint.
  • Condensing water heaters: This type of water heater generally uses a very large tank, ensuring there’s plenty of hot water.

Who are the leading water heater repair experts in Corona, CA to help me choose my water heater?

If you’re finding it difficult to settle on the type of water heater that would be best suited for your household, and if you’re nowhere near the decision of whether to purchase a tanked or a tankless water heater, turn to experts for help. OneStop Plumbers are specialists for water heater installation, maintenance, and repair, and we will help you make your decision. We’re here to give you the necessary information on the water heaters you’re thinking of buying.

What’s more, we’ll advise you on the different factors to consider before making your purchase, and then help you install and maintain your heater. We’ll even tell you which temperature to set your water heater to. It doesn’t matter if you live near Prado Dam or at another location near Corona – we will come to your home and install your water heater of choice. Give us a call today and let’s make the decision together.

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