Water Heater Brief

Get Maximum Value From Your Water Heater

What Are The Most Efficient Water Heaters

The amount of money you spend on utilities each month can be stressful. Depending on where you live, the cost of heating your hot water tank may exceed what you pay for electricity. In these cases, a water heater can be the difference between a cold shower and a cool bath. But not all water heaters are created equal. 

There are many types of water heaters that can save money in the long run. Whether it’s a conventional tank, a low-flow model, or something in between, there’s an option that’s right for you. To help you understand your options, we’ve outlined some key features to consider when shopping for a new water heater:

Conventional Tank Type Water Heater

A conventional tank water heater is the most common type of water heater. This type of water heater stores water in a large metal tank, which then heats the water to a desired temperature when the water is drawn from the tank. Since the water inside the tank remains at a consistent temperature, conventional tank water heaters are a good choice for those who want hot water all the time. However, conventional tank water heaters are not recommended for those who want to reduce their water bill since they are energy inefficient and have a lower flow rate than other types of water heaters.

Electric Water Heating

An electric water heater runs on electricity and heats water inside a small tank or a large external unit. Electric water heaters come in many different sizes and are available in a variety of different materials. Some electric water heaters are combined with an electric or gas stove to create a hybrid water heater that heats both hot water and your home’s hot water supply. Electric water heaters are more energy efficient than tank water heaters and are a good choice for those who want to reduce their water bill. However, electric water heaters can take up valuable space in your home if you don’t have enough room for a large tank.

Tankless Water Heaters

These are becoming more popular as they are energy efficient, easy to install and take up much less rom than most other water heaters. The tankless models do not store hot water, rather they heat water on demand. Water passes through the system and is either heated by natural gas or electricity. The units shut off when the faucet is turned off. There are many options ranging from a central unit to individual units for some or all water faucets. 

Divergent Water Heating

A divergent water heater is a type of heat pump that heats water by drawing it from a nearby source of cold water and transferring the cold water to a nearby source of hot water. This type of water heater is most used with a two-stage hot water system that heats water in the first stage and then heats the water again in a second stage. Divergent water heaters are a good choice for those who want to reduce their water bill. However, this type of water heater is less efficient than a conventional tank water heater.

Radiant Water Heating

A radiant water heater uses electricity to heat a type of material, such as cast iron or stone, that’s installed in your home’s floor or wall. This type of water heating uses a large amount of energy and is not recommended for those who want to reduce their water bill due to its high energy consumption. The main advantage of a radiant water heater is that it can be installed in spaces where there is not enough room for a conventional water heater. However, this type of water heating is not cost effective for those who want to reduce their water bill.

Pump Controlled Water Heating

A pump-controlled water heating system is a hybrid system that combines an energy-efficient pump with a conventional water heating system that uses electricity to heat water. This type of water heating system is a good choice for those who want a more efficient water heater that can be installed in a smaller space. Pump-controlled water heaters are often used in new or renovated buildings where there isn’t enough space to install a conventional water heater. These systems are more expensive to install than other types of water heaters but are a good choice for people who want to reduce their water bill.

Hybrid Water Heating

A hybrid water heating system combines a conventional water heating system with an energy-efficient storage system. This type of system stores water in a tank or a tankless unit during times of high demand, then heats the water using the conventional system when it’s needed. Hybrid water heating systems are a good choice for those who want a more energy efficient water heater that can be installed in a smaller space. Hybrid water heating systems can store enough water to heat the hot water during a long period of low demand.

Recommendations

The best way to determine which water heater is best for you is to do your research. There are many factors to consider when shopping for a new water heater, including water supply, estimated usage, expected water savings, and the cost of installation. If your water supply comes from a municipal water source, investigate installing a conventional tank water heater. If you have a well, installing a pump-controlled water heating system may be a good choice. If you have a hybrid water heating system, it can be a good idea to add a tankless water heater as well. For a good balance between cost and efficiency, you can also consider installing a hybrid water heating system as well as a tankless water heater. To learn more about the different types of water heaters available, visit our guide to water heaters.

Frequently Asked Question

​Can I install a hot water heater myself?
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.
​Why is installing a water heater so expensive?
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.
​What is done when replacing a hot water heater?
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.
When is the best time for a new water heater?
  • 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
Should I set my water heater to very hot?
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.
​What is the average cost to install a water heate
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 hot 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.
What are the signs that you need a water heater?
  • 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
​What is the average cost for a water heater?
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.
Does turning up the temp. make hot water last
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.)