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Water Heating Solutions

Here’s some information to help you decide which type of water heater is best for you. Below are five common types.

Heat Pump Water Heater

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

 

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Advantages

  • Can cost as little as $350
  • Produces lots of hot water
  • Can save more than $3,000 over the life of the unit compared to electric water heaters*
  • Typically has a 10+ year warranty
  • Helps dehumidify**
Disadvantages

  • Requires open room with 6’ or greater ceiling
  • Requires condensate drain
  • Reduced savings if in an intentionally heated space
  • Air filter needs periodic rinsing
  • As loud as a dehumidifier
 
*Source: energystar.gov accessed 6/26/19
**Heat pump water heaters complement but do not replace dehumidifiers, because they operate based on hot water demand instead of humidity levels.

Gas Water Heater

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

Advantages

Disadvantages

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

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 warranty
  • Not ENERGY STAR®
 

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.