When it comes to heating water, there are many different options available. Depending on your home’s needs, location, and budget, there is likely more than one type of water heater that will work best for your residence. There are three main types of water heaters: electric, gas, and hybrid. Each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks depending on your individual circumstances, so it is important to understand the differences between each option before making a final decision on which one is best for your home. Read on to learn more about each type of water heater so you can choose the best option for your needs.

Electric Tankless Heaters

Electric tankless heaters are the newest and most efficient types of water heaters on the market. They are also the most expensive option. These heaters use an electric element to heat water as it flows through a specialized copper coil. This type of water heater is most often used in large buildings like schools, hospitals, and office buildings with a large amount of water in a central location. The electric element is extremely efficient and can heat water quickly. These water heaters are also extremely easy to install since there is no water tank to fill.Electric tankless water heaters are commonly used in commercial buildings, but they are slowly making their way into residential use as well. These are usually installed in the garage or basement. These water heaters are excellent for homes with lots of people or pets that regularly consume large amounts of water. They are also a good option for homes with central air conditioning, since they are a more efficient option for heating water.

Gas Tank Heater (or "Hot Water Storage")

A traditional gas tank water heater is a large cylinder that holds a large amount of water. A gas burner inside the cylinder heats the water, which is pumped through a pipe to a water faucet or other outlet. These water heaters are often used in large, multi-unit buildings or for outdoor spas or pools. They can be very large and can be installed in the basement, garage, or outside. They are usually less expensive to purchase than an electric water heater, but they require more ongoing maintenance.A gas tank water heater is usually a more environmentally friendly option than an electric water heater since it does not produce as much carbon monoxide. However, they also have a much larger carbon footprint than an electric water heater.

Electric Tank Heater

An electric tank water heater is a large tank that is filled with water and then heated by an electric element. This type of water heater is commonly used in homes or buildings with central air conditioning. The heat from the water is transferred into the air, which is then distributed throughout the home. These water heaters are usually installed in the basement or garage.Electric tank water heaters have a long lifespan and are extremely efficient. They are also less costly than other types of water heaters. However, they require more ongoing maintenance and are less environmentally friendly than a gas tank water heater.

Hot-Wet Hybrid

A hot-wet hybrid is a combination of a gas and electric system. It uses a gas burner to bring the water up to a certain temperature and then uses an electric element to maintain that temperature. This type of water heater is great for small buildings that don't have access to natural gas. It is also a good option for people who want to heat their water with both a traditional and electric system.Hot-wet hybrid systems work well for buildings that are close to a power grid, but are too remote to be connected to it. They are also a good option for buildings that need to be heated with a dual system, but don't have enough space for a large tank.

Bottom line

There are many different types of water heaters, but they all work in the same basic way: They heat water to a certain temperature and then deliver it to a faucet or plumbing. The best type of water heater for your home depends on a variety of factors, including your location, budget, climate, and water usage. If you live in a climate where the water is extremely cold or hot, or if you have a large family or a large number of pets, you may want to consider a combination water heater that can be used as both a gas and electric system.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.