What Are the 4 Main Types of Water Heaters?

Blog Title: What Are the 4 Main Types of Water Heaters? Photo: boiler water heater electric tank

Is it time to replace the water heater inside your Clinton Township home? 

There are many different types of water heaters to choose from!

Each water heater has unique features designed to keep you comfortable by providing your Michigan home with hot water whenever you need it.

At Great Dane Heating & Air Conditioning, we take great strides to ensure your comfort and safety. We are a trusted leader in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. That includes water heater installation, replacement, repairs, and maintenance services.

Our experts have proudly served Clinton Township and the surrounding areas since 1999. Your comfort matters to us—call us today for a free consultation about your next project.

4 Types of Water Heaters

You can count on our technicians at Great Dane to help you choose the best model for your budget and needs:

1. Storage Tank Water Heaters

Traditional tank water heaters are the most common type of water heater. Tank water heaters use an insulated tank to store and heat water, which gets distributed through pipes to your faucets and showerhead. They typically use gas as fuel, although some use oil or electricity to operate.

PRO: It is easy to operate and maintain, and it’s your least expensive option.

CON: You have to wait when it runs out of hot water. The tank continuously heats water, even when it is not in use.

2. Tankless Water Heaters

Another option is a tankless water heater. A tankless water heater is exactly what it sounds like—it’s a water heater that does not use a tank to store and heat water. Instead, water is heated by an electric coil or natural gas. Whenever you need hot water, it is heated instantly on demand and ready to use.Tankless water heaters are extremely energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), water heating is responsible for nearly one-fifth of the average household’s utility bill. An efficient water heater will use less energy to operate, resulting in lower utility costs. That means you get to keep more money in your pocket each month!

PRO: You get hot water on demand.

CON: Since there is no hot water in reserve, you won’t have any hot water during a power outage

3. Hybrid Water Heaters

Also known as a heat pump water heater, a hybrid water heater is a conventional water heater paired with a heat pump. Water is heated with the help of the heat pump. This is another extremely energy-efficient water heating option.

Heat pumps transfer energy rather than generating it, helping to reduce overall energy use and costs. A disadvantage of choosing a hybrid water heater is that it requires more space so it may not be an option for a smaller home.

PRO: They are extremely energy efficient.

CON: There may not be enough space for it, depending on the size and layout of your home.

4. Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heaters work similarly to electric or hybrid water heaters, except they use solar energy for water heating instead of a heat pump. A solar water heater transfers heat to a coil system with solar energy. Although another energy-efficient water heating option, solar water heaters often require a backup water heating solution on cloudy days.

PRO: They are efficient and can help reduce your bills.

CON: You need a backup when there is little or no sun out for the day.

The water heater you choose for your Clinton Township home will depend on several factors, including your home’s size and the space you have available for water heater installation. Consider the level of energy efficiency and type of fuel you prefer.

Call Us for Water Heat Replacement

Replacing the water heater in your Clinton Township, MI, home doesn’t have to be complicated. Leave it to our Great Dane Heating & Air Conditioning professionals. We are experts when it comes to water heater installation, replacement, repairs, and maintenance services. Call us today at 586-790-2604 or request service online.

Need HVAC Service?

Contact the experts at Great Dane Heating & Air Conditioning.

Call us at 586.790.2604!