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:
Heat Pump Water Heater
Uses heat from the room and/or electricity to heat a tank of water.
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 10/26/18
** 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.
Advantages
- Low upfront cost
- Short “lowboy” versions available
- No combustion
Disadvantages
- High operating cost
- Typically short warranties
- Not ENERGY STAR®
Advantages
- Low operating cost if using natural gas
- Endless hot water (tankless models)
- ENERGY STAR® rated models available
Disadvantages
- High operating cost if using propane
- Requires exhaust venting
- May not work with low-flow fixtures (some tankless models)
Tankless Coil Water Heater
Built into an oil boiler. It has no visible tank.
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.
Advantages
- Low operating cost
- Low environmental impact
- No combustion
Disadvantages
- High installation cost
- Backup required
- Solar exposure required
Click here for our Guide to Water Heating.