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Water Heating Solutions

Looking to replace your water heater? Here’s some information to help you decide which is best for you. Here are five common types of water heaters (click an image for more information):

heatpump-water-heaterHeat Pump
Water Heater
electric-water-heaterElectric
Water Heater
gas-water-heaterGas
Water Heater
tankless-coil-heaterTankless Coil
Water Heater
solar-water-heaterSolar
Water Heater

Heat Pump Water Heater

Uses heat from the room and/or electricity to heat a tank of water.

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heatpump-water-heater
Advantages

  • Can save more than $3,000 over the life of the unit compared to electric water heaters.*
  • Typically have 10+ year warranties.
  • Dehumidify the space they are in.**
Disadvantages

  • Require open room with 6’ or greater ceiling
  • Require condensate drain
  • Reduced savings if in heated space
  • Air filter needs periodic rinsing
  • As loud as a dehumidifier
 
*Source: energystar.gov accessed 5/20/18
** Heat pump water heaters complement but do not replace dehumidifiers, because they operate based on hot water demand instead of humidity levels.

Electric Water Heater

Uses electric resistance elements to heat water.

electric-water-heater
Advantages

  • Low upfront cost
  • Short “lowboy” versions available
  • No combustion
Disadvantages

  • High operating cost
  • Typically shorter warranties
  • Not ENERGY STAR®
 

Gas Water Heater

Uses propane or natural gas. Can have a tank or be tankless.

gas-water-heater
Advantages

  • Low operating cost (natural gas models at current rates)
  • Endless hot water (tankless models)
  • ENERGY STAR® rated
Disadvantages

  • Requires exhaust venting
  • High operating cost (propane models at current rates)
  • May not work with low-flow fixtures (some tankless models)
 

Tankless Coil Water Heater

Built into an oil boiler. It has no visible tank.

tankless-coil-heater
Advantages

  • Lasts as long as the boiler
  • Takes up no additional space
Disadvantages

  • The least efficient water heating system
  • Boiler must stay hot all year long
  • Can cause boiler to “short cycle” which minimizes efficiency
  • Not ENERGY STAR®
 

Solar Water Heater

Typically panels on roof plumbed to tank in basement with some backup.

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solar-water-heater
Advantages

Disadvantages

  • High installation cost
  • Requires backup
  • Requires solar exposure
 

Click here for our Guide to Water Heating.