It may seem a bit funny and weird, but many people tend to forget about their water heaters.  Typically tucked away well out of sight in a storage closet or in the garage corner, water heaters normally sit noiselessly and perform their jobs without a lot of ruckus.   However, forgetting about them completely can prove to be a huge mistake.

Unlike some equipments or appliances at home, when a water heater suddenly does not work properly when you use it, it does not always just stop working.  In some situations, you could find yourself standing in about 40 gallons or more of scalding hot water!  Worse scenarios may include the risk of fires, explosions, or the release of deadly carbon monoxide gas into your home. With all those potential problems, it seems like having a good old-fashioned cold shower sounds pretty good right about now.

Do not worry too much about the dilemmas previously mentioned above.  This is just to keep you aware about the importance of keeping an eye on your water heater.  An annual inspection, along with some simple, regular maintenance, is usually all you need to do to keep your water heater doing great.  Knowing some water heater basics would let you understand more about them.

Water Heaters – Its Basics

Water heaters are pretty simple equipments at home, and they have changed very little in the past 50 years.  Due to the advancements of technology, water heaters have been refined and are made extremely better than they used to be, with higher efficiency, longer life spans, and the addition of safety features that minimize the risk of physical injury and property damage.

Every water heater is designed to convert energy to heat, and then transfer that heat to the water.  They are then connected to a cold water supply pipe and have at least a single pipe for outgoing hot water that directs the heated water to faucets and other appliances throughout the entire house.

Even if there is a wide variety of water heaters available in the market such as electric, tankless, propane and even solar-powered model units, the most commonly used in the United States is a holding tank that is fueled by natural gas.

Water Heaters – Preventive Maintenance and Safety

Below are some basic ways on how to properly maintain your water heater.

First, check its overall physical condition.  Water heaters are built to have lots of rust protection internally, but they have very little rust protection externally, so it is wise to watch out for leaks.  Also, check for flaking paint, staining, or corrosion on the surface of the tank.  Both external and internal rust can surely result into your tank failing.  Keep in mind that the exterior shell may look okay on the outside, while all along it is already consumed with rust on the inside.  However, if you see and confirm that nothing looks out of the plain ordinary, then move on to the regular maintenance duties.

The two chief steps to properly maintaining your water heater are: periodically draining the tank to remove sediments; and testing the temperature and pressure release valve (T&P) to make sure that it is working appropriately.

Every time the water heater is turned on, sediments begin to form.  The sediments are actually made up of calcium carbonate, a mineral present in water, which is precipitated out through heating.  It typically settles to the bottom of your tank, and therefore can shorten the lifespan of your water heater; significantly reduce its efficiency; clog lines, valves, and the recirculating pump; and even provide a suitable breeding ground for anaerobic bacteria.  How many times you drain your tank depends a lot on the quality of water available at where you live.  Areas that have very hard water means that you need to frequently drain your tank in order to keep the sediment levels low.  The frequency may range anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.

The temperature and pressure release valve (T&P) is crucial for preventing explosions resulting from overpressure, because it automatically releases water at specific critical pressure levels and prevents the tank from exploding.  Be sure to test this valve from time to time to make sure that it opens and closes properly, so that it will not fail whenever you need it.

Last but not least, install a carbon monoxide alarm near your water heater.  Carbon monoxide is a gas that is odorless and colorless.  However, if your water heater does not seem to vent properly or starts to back draft, these fatal fumes can enter your home and endanger you and your family.

If everything is working properly, do inspect the water temperature with the use of a cooking thermometer in order to make sure that it is set to your family’s comfort level as well as to ensure everyone’s safety.  If the water is too hot for the human skin, it can really cause scalding which can lead to serious injuries.  On the contrary, some people tend to put their water temperature at a low setting so as to try to be economical.  However, keep in mind that if the water is not hot enough, it can potentially harbor bacteria.  A good intermediate setting for your water temperature is about 130 degrees.

If you have never performed any of the basic maintenance tasks stated above on your water heater before, it is a good idea to simply hire a technician to do it properly for you the first time, and then you can ask them to show you how to do it by yourself for the next time.  It is actually not very complicated to do these tasks, but you must be aware that there are potential risks involved.  The risks of performing maintenance tasks incorrectly are obviously great compared to a just shelling out a minimal service fee.  If you truly know and understand what the problem is with your water heater and you really know how to fix it, then by all means do so.  Otherwise, let the professionals do it.

Let’s face it, nothing really lasts forever.  Your water heater’s lifespan typically lasts anywhere from 6 to 12 years.  With regular and proper maintenance, you can actually beat those numbers, help ensure the safety of your family, and last but not least, help you save precious money in the process.

Water heaters are truly one of the most common household appliances that have been considered as a major investment by many homeowners.  This is actually entirely justifiable, because water heaters tend to have about more than a decade’s worth of operational expectancy, so every owner is assured that their hard-earned money has been put to good use.  Nowadays, it is very important to know and understand the different types of water heaters available in the market, which range from conventional or traditional storage units to tankless ones.  There are even water heater units that use different power sources, from natural gas to electricity.  It all depends on the homeowner’s daily heating needs.

A traditional or conventional water heater stores heated water in its tank.  The less popular tankless water heater does not store water.  Instead, it routes heated water directly to the faucets or appliances.  A lot of water heaters are fueled by natural gas, although there are some models of water heaters available in the market that can be powered by propane or electricity.

A tankless water heater circulates water by means of a series of electric coils or burners whenever a hot water faucet or appliance is turned on.  Since this type of water heater does not store hot water, it costs less to operate and it does not run out of hot water except when the flow exceeds its heating ability.  If two people take showers at different bathrooms at the same time, a tankless water heater unit might not be able to efficiently handle the flow.

Nowadays, water heaters are much more energy efficient and more eco friendly.  This means that you are able to save money and generate less harmful emissions when using current models of water heaters.  It is wise to always look for the Energy Star ratings whenever acquiring a new water heater.  Each Energy Star unit of any appliance, in this case a water heater, will actually boost your savings considerably while you get to enjoy the same benefits of hot water generated by the older and less energy efficient water heater models.

Water Heater Basic Safety Tips

1. Keep the surrounding area of your water heater clear for service access as well as for adequate air circulation by:
   1. In the bathroom, always test the water temperature before you step into the shower or bathtub.
   2. Always supervise infants and small children when they will be using hot water from the faucet.
   3. Be wary and watch out for abrupt increases in water temperature whenever another faucet is turned on at a different part of the house.
   4. Use wraps for the water heater lines and always keep them insulated.  Do not use any wraps on your water heater tank.

• Making sure that there are no dangerous, combustible or flammable materials used or stored in the same room or near the water heater.
• Making sure that the water heater unit is not confined in an area where it is difficult to service, remove or where there is inadequate ventilation.
• Making sure that the water heater is placed in an area with adequate drainage in the premises, and that the drainage itself is open and unrestricted.
• Making sure that the vents and openings are kept clean and clear as well as well maintained.
• Making sure that the floor drain is without obstructions and there is a clear water path between the water heater and the drain.
• Avoiding the habit of storing valuable objects near your water heater.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

The water heater is something we depend on each day but hardly ever think about it, until something goes wrong and we have no choice but to call in a plumber or professional.  By simply completing some quick annual water heater maintenance tasks, you can considerably lengthen the lifespan of your water heater, whether it is gas or electric powered.

Before attempting to do any water heater maintenance by yourself, you must bear in mind some safety measures:

• When in doubt, wear thick gloves to protect yourself.
• Ensure that you have sufficient lighting.  Lots of water heaters are usually kept in dark areas at home.
• Avoid scalding or burning yourself by checking the water heater temperature prior to touching it.  You can do this by lightly tapping the area with the back of your hand or by simply using a thermometer.

Tips on Buying Water Heaters

Buying the cheapest brand of water heater may prove to be an expensive choice later.  Most water heaters must comply with the same standards and energy efficiencies; however, the similarities sadly end there.  Water heater warranties greatly differ and most only cover the total cost of the parts, and the labor is not included.  When buying a water heater, it is advisable that you understand who covers the expenditure of the potential labor costs that is associated with most repairs.

When choosing a water heater for your home, consider the number of bathrooms present in the house as it can be easier to estimate the needed tank size; however, there are some situations that can skew these standards.  For example, you might need a bigger tank if you always have lots of laundry to wash due to many small children in your household, or maybe if you have a very large bathtub at your home.

The minimum size unit for a one-bathroom home must be about 30 to 40 gallons, may it be gas or electric powered.  For a 1 large and 1 small bathroom home, 40 gallons is the minimum requirement.  For a 2 or 3-bathroom home, select a 50-gallon gas-powered water heater or a 66- to 80-gallon electric one.  The fact that you will need a larger one if you are going to use an electric water heater is because electric water heaters take longer to heat water up as compared to their gas-powered counterparts.  As for a large 4-bathroom home or a home with an extra-large bathtub, obtain a 75-gallon gas-powered water heater or a 120-gallon electric-powered water heater.

Lots of people who have water heaters at home enjoy the comforts of having to bathe with hot water anytime they like.  However, like any other equipment, water heaters are also susceptible to problems such as lime buildup, hard water buildup, external rusting and even reduced hot water.

Water heaters are very familiar equipments in many homes in the world.  They can be used while taking hot showers or baths, and they can even be used for your dishwashing chores or for your washing machine, if you need your clothes to be washed with warm water.  Water heaters usually appear like huge metal cylinders or tall drums which are most often placed in the basement or at the laundry room.  For most people, water heaters are basically a drum that is filled with water and equipped with a heating mechanism either on the inside or on the bottom.  Even if they are not that stylish-looking type of bathroom fixtures, water heaters still are pretty much fascinating.  What makes them wonderful machines is that they exploit the heat rising principle in order to provide hot water right into your faucet or showerhead without much effort.  Water heaters may look very simple or ordinary on the outside, but it actually has a very ingenious design on the inside.

Possible Causes of Reduced Hot Water

If the hot water you are using at home is providing you with less hot water than it used to, there are actually many things that could be causing your dilemma, and the extent of the possible problems may also depend on what type of water heater you have.

If your tank is an electric one, then you could assume that a lower element might be defective or the dip tube (the dip tube in water heaters is a plastic tube that sends the incoming cold water to the base of the tank in order to prevent it from mixing with the hot water when going to your faucets.  This actually helps the tank to heat more efficiently as well as it promotes energy efficiency) might be missing.

If you have a gas-powered water heater, then it would most likely be the dip tube.

Sometimes we think that there is something wrong with our water heater for the simple reason that it is not heating up properly, but in fact there is nothing wrong with it at all. It is because in winter, the incoming water temperature is much colder, which in turn causes the remaining hot water in the tank to dilute much faster.  Keep in mind that the cold water coming in is what pushes the hot water out to your shower.  Another possible explanation is that you might have recently changed your showerheads into a higher flow-rate type.

Here are a few facts to learn about water heaters.  A typical water heater will only give you two-thirds of its capacity as usable hot water.  If your tank is a 50-gallon unit, then that would be about 33 gallons.  If your showerheads are restricted to about 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM), then your shower time should be about 15 to 20 minutes before you become aware of a temperature drop.  However, if you have showerheads having 5 GPM, then typically you will have about 8 to 10 minutes of hot water.

You can conduct a few simple tests to actually figure out and see for yourself what is really happening with your water heater.  For instance, you can begin with a completely recovered tank, which means that there must be no hot water used for the last several hours.  You will then need a 5-gallon pail and a thermometer that has a range of up to 160 degrees.  With the thermometer placed in the stream of hot water, you will then fill the pail from the tub spout and note how many times you fill the 5-gallon bucket before you notice the occurrence of a 20-degree temperature drop.  Calculate to see how much hot water that your tank is producing.  If it is not two-thirds of the tank’s capacity, then it is time to have it checked by a professional or have it replaced.

Another simple test will help you find out what the GPM rate of your showerhead is.  Simply hold the pail up to the showerhead and ask someone to turn on the shower.  Fill the pail for 30 seconds and then find out how much water is in the pail.  Double that amount and you have your GPM.  If your pail fills more than one-third of the way in 30 seconds, then it may be the right time to consider getting low-flow showerheads.  They not only conserve water, but also they help “stretch” your usable hot water supply.

How to Determine the Age of Your Water Heater

To help you determine how old your tank is, check out the model and serial numbers of your water heater.

All water heaters possess a Rating Plate that lists vital information such as the model and serial numbers, the manufacturing company’s name, the wattage of the elements installed (on electric units), input BTU rating (on gas units), the length of the warranty, gallon capacity, and many more.

You can find out the age of your water heater by decoding its serial number.  Many manufacturers make it easy by including the month and year built into the first 4 digits of the serial number.  For example, Serial No. 1190A48857 means that the water heater was manufactured in November of 1990 (1190).  Other manufacturers use special formats, but in a similar fashion.

If it is more than 7 to 8 years old, then it may not be worth spending your money to repair that tank.

When it comes to whole-house tankless water heaters, most experts recommend gas-type since fire heats water faster and more efficiently.  Electric-types are more suitable as point-of-use units since they need to be mounted near the particular tap and that no venting is necessary.  There are gas-fired tankless water heaters that are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent which is good since switching from a storage tank type to an on-demand type requires professional installation charges on labor.  Aside from this, consumers may also need to upgrade their water pipes as well as their venting system, making the 30 percent tax credit a welcome idea.  In fact, even without the incentive of tax credit, a whole house tankless water heater should be considered.  For new homes, the homebuilders can design the piping and venting around the gas-type whole-house tankless water heater, further decreasing the amount needed for the installation.

When replacing the more traditional storage tank water heater, experts say the estimated cost for installation would be around $1,500 to $2,900.  There are experts who even claim to reach higher than $3,000.  Thanks to the rebates, credits, and other incentives, the price for installation can be kept down, at a more agreeable price.

The sizing of the on-demand unit depends mostly on the temperature of the incoming water.  If the climate is cold, the flow rate should be about half the rate generated during warmer seasons.  This makes it important to consult local contractors so they can assess whether the piping is good enough or if there is a need to point-of-use units to crucial areas of the home where hot water is necessary.  In addition, the contractor can assess the distance between the main water heating unit in relation to the other taps as too much distance means water loses heat, even if the pipes are well insulated.

Without tax credits and other incentives, when calculated, the payback for going tankless will be about 20 years.  If a household saves around 19 percent of gas and never going above that by using more hot water than they previously have, the household can save a lot of money.

When looking at the reviews for tankless water heaters, you will find mixed reviews from owners.  This is probably due to unrealistic expectations as well as unrealistic advertising, not to mention they are not ideal for all types of homes.  For example, if the incoming water is colder than the average 50° F in U.S., then the tankless unit will have a hard time heating fast enough to provide the acceptable flow rate.  In addition, an on-demand water heating unit is neither suitable nor practical for old homes that have long pipe.  Some owners even complain of burst between hot and cold water – something which can be very unpleasant when taking a shower.  This is why some contractors recommend the installation of a circulating pump to help keep heated water in the pipes continuously.  In addition to this, a circulating pump also helps to minimize the wasting of cold water when waiting for the heated water to reach the tap.  The truth is, circulating pumps can also be an invaluable addition even for storage tank water heaters.

Overall, if you are seriously considering tankless water heater for your home, it is recommended that you consult with a professional contractor in your area, one that has many experience with tankless water heaters, before purchasing one.  Besides, each unit may require the right line, water pressure, and gas pressure to achieve optimum performance and your local contractor may just have the recommendations for your requirements.

Gas Tankless Water Heater

Experts always recommend that you consult a local contractor with good standing records for the installation of tankless water heaters before attempting to choose a mode.  Nevertheless, there are still some models that are highly regarded by professionals such as the Rinnai.  One model, the Rinnai R75LSiN is well reviewed as it is able to provide a flow rate of 7.5 GPM of hot water – plenty enough for two showers running simultaneously.  It has an Energy Star certification, which means purchase of this whole-house tankless water heater is eligible for a federal tax credit, rebate, as well as incentives.  Tests have been made comparing this model to a traditional storage tank water heater and conclusive results have been found that the Rinnai not just saves money, but it also generates and deliver more hot water.  With this, the Rinnai R75LSiN has received high praises not just from owners, but from contractors as well.

These days, newer and more efficient gas-fired tankless water heaters are using condensing technology to increase their thermal efficiency.  The best part about these new-type units is that installation is made easier as PVC can now be used for venting instead of the usual stainless steel.  Although this technology is very promising, reviews for specific models have yet to be found.  Furthermore, a publication recommended to builders and contractors to hold off installing these systems until they have made a longer track record.

Most water heaters involve a large container tank where water is heated using either electricity or gas.  The water usually fills most of the tank which is then heated at a preset temperature.  This temperature is maintained almost at constant temperature by the system, so, ideally, you will have the same temperature each time you turn on the tap.  The tank automatically tries to refill the lost water and heats it accordingly.  The main disadvantage with this system is that it constantly needs to heat the water to maintain its temperature making it use energy even if heated water is not needed.  For this reason, storage tank water heaters should be very well insulated so as to avoid standby heat loss and thereby avoid having to reheat the water more often.

Another type of water heating system is the tankless water heater which also heats water using either electricity or gas.  The difference between this system with a tank system is that, well, it does not have a tank to store heated water.  Instead, a tankless water heating system heats water instantaneously as soon as it is needed.  This is possible because it has very effective heating system where it heats water at a predetermined temperature when water passes through its heating tubes or coils.  In fact, these tankless systems have become more high tech and intelligent as they are able to detect how much incoming water there is inside their system, should multiple taps be open, and adjusts their heating elements or burners accordingly to produce and deliver the desired temperature.  The best part about these water heating systems is that once the demand for heated water ceases, the unit shuts down thereby using no energy.

Residential and commercial water heaters are similar in how they heat water.  However, their main difference, aside from price, is the build quality as commercial water heaters need to be more robust because they need to supply more hot water as compared to residential water heaters.  Another difference would be their heating system.  Commercial water heaters have a large and more efficient heating system because they need to heat large amounts of water due to the huge demand.  Since wasted energy means a lot of money for businesses, owners usually invest a lot of money in having their commercial water heaters properly insulated so they are not prone to standby heat loss.  This allows their large capacity tank systems to stay hotter longer.

Water Heater Problem and Symptoms

A water heater, regardless of system, will encounter a problem one way or the other.  If you have a water heater in your home that is more than ten years old, then you would likely have dealt with a problem or symptoms.  The main thing about water heating systems is that they need to be in perfect working condition so that you can enjoy your hot bath each time without any problems.  Since there are different types of water heating systems, there are also different water heating problems that you may encounter.  However, most problems are encountered with storage tank water heaters.  Since they have a lifespan of 10-15 years, you will likely encounter some problems after around 5 years or so.  The truth is many water heating problems are easy to diagnose and repair.  If you know your way around tools, you will save a lot of money on plumber bills.  When making any diagnostics or repairs though, it is important that you turn off your water heating unit’s gas supply, electricity supply, as well as the water supply.

Water Heater Leak – this is perhaps the most common problem for all types of water heaters.  If you have pools of water below your pipes, there is likely a water leak.  Since water leak can originate from any location and connection, locating where the leak is coming from is very important.  However, if this pooling of water only happens during the winter or cold season, then pool of water may simply be just due to condensation.  Water heater leaks mostly originate from loose or defective pressure relief valve, or drain valve.  Replacing any of these valves can be accomplished easily and with no fuss.  The best thing about them is that they are very inexpensive.  For electric water heaters on the other hand, there are times that the gasket is the source of the leak.  If your water heater is worn down, corroded, and leaking, this might be due to a pinhole on the tank.  Overtime, this leak will get progressively worse and replacing it would be the best solution.

Rotten Smell in Water – this smell is mostly due to the bacteria that react with the anode rod inside the tank, or it can be due a water system being connected to a well system.  Either way, the smell of the water is both unpleasant and repulsive.  The best way to get rid of this smell is to flush the tank, introduce some bleach to the tank to remove the smell, and replace the current anode rod with a zinc-aluminum anode rod.

Water is Too Hot or Too Cold – if adjusting the thermostat doesn’t do the trick with the “too hot or too cold” water from the water heater, then you need to check if there is a problem with your thermostat.  If the thermostat has current, then it is faulty and needs to be replaced.  Replacing the thermostat is fairly easy.  Then again, if your unit is under warranty, it is suggested to have it serviced rather than risking voiding the warranty of your unit.  If the problem is not with the thermostat and the water is on the cold side, then the likely problem would be with the dip tube.  This dip tube is a plastic tube that if busted, will allow incoming water to blend with the already heated water.  Replacing the dip tube is fairly easy and will help resolve the problem.

There are three popular types of swimming pool heaters – gas pool heaters, solar pool heaters, and heat pump pool heaters.

Gas Pool Heaters – this type of pool heater is the most popular type of pool heating system when it comes to heating up swimming pools.  These days, more advanced gas-fired swimming pool heaters are available and are far more efficient than older models.  Then again, depending on the climate in your region and the type and size of pool you have, this may not be the most efficient type.  Nevertheless, it is still the most popular.

Gas pool heaters work by burning natural gas or propane to create heat.  When the pump in the pool circulates water to filter it, the water that has been filtered passes through an area where heat exchange happens.  The gas or propane is burned inside a combustion chamber where the generated heat transferred to the water which is being pumped back into the pool.  Gas pool heaters are very efficient when it comes to quickly heating swimming pools, but only for short periods.  This makes gas pool heaters the perfect choice for swimming pools that are only used occasionally.  The best thing about gas pool heaters is that they are able to maintain the temperature you desire regardless of climate conditions.

In order to optimize the efficiency of gas pool heaters, proper installation and regular maintenance is required.  You can hire qualified pool heating professionals for installations as well as for repairs and maintenance.  If you notice any problems with efficiency, this will likely be due to scaling in the heat exchanger.  A gas pool heater will typically last somewhere between 5 to 8 years.

Solar Pool Heaters – these pool heaters are the most cost effective as they use solar energy to heat the pool.  The best part about solar pool heaters is that you can heat the pool for prolonged periods without having to worry about your utility bill going up.  Installing one can greatly decrease your annual pool heating cost.  Plus, their cost can compete with both gas pool heater and heat pump pool heaters.

A solar pool heater will consist of a solar collector, a filter, a pump, and a flow control valve.  The solar collector is responsible for collecting the heat from the sun as well as heat exchange between water and the flow tubes.  The filter is responsible for removing any debris in the water, while the pump is responsible for circulating the water from the pool towards the filter, solar collector, and back to the pool.  The flow control valve on the other hand is a device that diverts water to be heated towards the solar collector or through a conventional pool heater for use during cloudy days or during night times.  The flow control valve is controlled manually.  However, with the use of advanced sensors, this can be run automatically.

Solar collectors are made using different materials.  The type of materials used will greatly depend on the climate of your area as well as on how you will be using the collector.  If you want to be able to use your pool during cold temperatures (but not freezing or below freezing, then the solar collector material you will need to use will be unglazed.  Unglazed solar collectors do not have a glass covering and are mostly made out of heavy duty rubber or plastic.  Since the parts are inexpensive and very simple in design, they are less expensive than glazed types.  Depending on climate situation, they may be more cost effective than expensive glazed solar collectors.  Glazed solar collectors on the other hand are mostly made out of copper tubing on an aluminum plate.  They also have a tempered glass covering that increases their cost greatly.  These solar collectors are ideal for colder weather as they are able to capture more heat than unglazed systems.

A solar pool heater will cost somewhere between $3,000 and $4,000.  This price would include both system and installation.  Although this may sound pricey, the unit will be able to pay for itself within seven years as you get a lot of savings on your utility bills.  In addition to this, solar pool heaters lasts longer than gas pool heater and heat pump pool heaters.

When installing a solar pool heater, you need to consider some factors such as climate, solar resource, building codes and safety issues.  This makes it important to hire a professional contractor on solar thermal systems to install your solar pool heater.  With good regular maintenance, your solar pool heater will continue to run smoothly for the next 10 to 20 years.

Heat Pump Pool Heaters – these pool heaters use electricity to capture heat and move it from one place to another.  Contrary to popular belief, heat pumps do not generate heat.  These pool heaters draw warm air from the outside and direct it to coils which absorb the heat.  Pool water is then passed along these coils which then absorb their heat.  The pool water is then pumped back into the pool.  The whole process is continually repeated until the water in the pool has been heated.

It is important to understand that heat pump pool heaters are more expensive than gas pool heaters.  However, due to their efficiency, they have a lower annual operating cost.  This means that the price difference will offset itself in several years.

A properly installed heat pump pool heater and regularly maintained for efficiency will last for more than 10 years.  This makes it best to hire a professional to install the heater, especially since there is electricity involved with the heating process.

A tankless water heater is basically an on-demand type water heater which heats water only when the hot water tap is turned on.  This means that the water heating unit does not heat water during standby unnecessarily and thereby is not subjected to standby heat loss.  Tankless water heaters are also called on-demand water heaters and instantaneous water heaters.  They do not store water that has been heated, unless the tankless unit is in a combination setup.

There are basically two types of tankless water heaters, a whole house water heater and a point-of-use water heater.  Whole house water heaters are larger units that serve multiple hot water taps around the home.  Point-of-use water heaters on the other hand are smaller units and are usually installed near the area where it will be used, such as on shower areas, dishwashers, and washing machines.

The main drawback in using a tankless water heater as compared to a storage tank water heater is that the former has a lower flow rate, especially if two or more hot water taps will be used simultaneously.  This is specifically true with electric tankless units.  However, gas-fired tankless units are able to compensate a bit as they are able to generate a higher flow rate than electric tankless units.  The only problem with gas-fired tankless water heaters is that they have a standing pilot light which needs to be kept on constantly, thus offsetting the potential energy savings.  This would not be a problem with a gas-fired tank unit as the pilot light helps to heat in some way the water inside the tank.

If you purchase a unit with as standing pilot light, there is always a feature though to turn it off when it is not in use so you could save a bit on energy.  There are also models that have an ignition device so you would not have to worry about having a standing pilot light.  You can inquire about models with this type of feature with manufacturers.

Tankless water heaters are without doubt more energy efficient as storage tank water heaters.  The only problem is that they take some time getting used to, especially if you have grown accustomed to storage tank units.  This is because with tankless units, when turning the hot water tap on, you need to wait for several seconds before hot water comes out of the faucet.  This is partly because water is not heated unless there is a demand for it.  If you don’t mind a few seconds of delay, then you are into a lot of savings.

There are actually many brands of tankless water heaters.  However, there are a few who makes better units than others.  The list below shows top 5 manufacturers of tankless water heaters.  They represent the best when it comes to tankless water heaters.  They are the foremost company you should consider when choosing a tankless water heating unit.

Bosch – although this company is known for making a great lineup of power tools, auto parts, and appliances, they also have been making tankless water heaters for more than 5 decades.  Bosch’s line of water heaters is called AquaStar, a brand that still continues to set the bar with efficiency range of 80 to 87 percent.  This efficiency range is the percentage of heat that has been generated on the water and not wasted.  In fact, their line of water heaters have a high rate of flow which allows multiple showers to be used simultaneously, making them the perfect choice for large households.

Noritz – this is the company that is known for making some of the best tankless water heating units in the market.  Their units have an efficiency range of 80 to 85 percent.  If you will be moving to their tankless lineup from the traditional storage tank types, you will looking at somewhere around 50% savings on your water heating cost.  Noritz is well acclaimed for research and development and is accredited to making some of the safest tankless water heating units in the market today.  Some of their innovations would include advanced temperature controls (a feature that prevents scalding), and safety alarms.

Paloma – this is a company well known for its water heaters.  It is a company that creates high tech systems for gas-fired water heaters where it has a sophisticated system that monitors and optimizes the combustion in the firing chamber to provide better protection for the household against Carbon Monoxide poisoning.  In 1988, the Paloma Group acquired Rheem which is the largest water heater manufacturer in the U.S. and a leader in the HVAC industry.

SeIsco – although this is a relatively new company, SeIsco has been recognized in the industry for creating some of the best tankless water heaters.  In fact, many of SeIsco’s products have now been recognized internationally.  In 1995, SeIsco joined DuPont to develop a completely new level of technology for tankless water heaters.

SETS – this is a company that manufactures all its tankless water heaters in the U.S. and are known for having the most user-friendly equipment on the market today.  In fact, SETS is very confident about the reliability and quality of their product that they offer a lifetime of parts replacement warranty.

Storage water heaters, tankless water heaters, solar water heaters, heat pumps and indirect water heaters are the 5 types of water heating systems.  Each type of system has its own advantage and disadvantage.  This makes it essential to know which one is best for your water heating needs.

Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heaters can be considered as the most cost-effective way you can generate heated water for your home use.  They can be used regardless of the climate in your area as long as they have a clear line to sun’s rays.  The best part about solar water heaters is that the energy they use is sunlight which is free.

A solar water heating system would include solar connectors and a storage tank.  Basically, there are 2 types of solar water heaters – active and passive.  Active units have circulating pumps and controls while passive units don’t.

There are basically 2 types of Active Systems – Direct and Indirect circulation systems.

• Direct Circulation Systems – these active systems have pumps that circulate cold water from the home to the solar collectors.  This type is highly effective for warm regions that do not encounter freezing temperatures.
• Indirect Circulation Systems – these are active systems that circulate non-freezing liquid through the collectors and channel the heat to a water storage tank via a heat exchanger.  This systems are highly effective on cold regions prone to freezing temperatures.

Passive systems are usually less expensive than active systems and their main drawback is that they are not as efficient.  Nevertheless, these systems are more robust and reliable.  There are basically 2 types of Passive Systems – Integral Collector-storage Passive System and Thermosyphon System.

• Integral Collector-storage Passive System – these are systems that are ideal for areas with temperatures that seldom fall below freezing.  They are useful for households with daytime and nighttime demands for heated water.
• Thermosyphon Systems – this system has the solar collector pipe installed under the storage tank.  This system uses thermo and hydrodynamic physics as the warm water will rise up the tank.  These systems are very reliable.  However, when installing them, contractors need to pay attention to the roof design and its integrity as the storage tank can be quite heavy.  These systems cost more than integral collector-storage passive solar water heating systems.

Almost all solar water heaters though require a storage tank which will be used to store the already heated water.  This makes it important to have a storage tank that is well insulated to prevent standby heat loss.  On some setup, a two-tank system, the solar water is used to preheat water before it enters the more traditional storage tank water heater.  This allows savings as the latter not longer needs to heat the water from a cold stage.  Another setup, a one-tank system, the solar water heater is used to heat water and store it in its tank so that when heated water is on demand, the tankless water heater won’t have a hard time heating the water further.

There are three types of solar connectors used for solar water heaters – flat-plate solar collectors, integral collectors-storage systems, and evacuated-tube solar collectors.

• Flat-plate Solar Collectors – Glazed flat-plate collectors have dark absorber plates underneath a glass or polymer cover.  Unglazed flat-plate collectors have a much darker absorber plate and are made of metal or polymer.  This type of flat-plate collector does not have any enclosure and is the type typically used for pool heating.
• Integral Collector-storage Systems (ICS) – this type of solar collector feature one or more black tubes inside an insulated glazed box.  Cold water will first pass through the ICS which then preheats the water.  After passing through the ICS, the preheated water will then continue to go to the traditional storage water heater where the water will be heated to desired preset temperature.  ICS-type solar water heaters are recommended to be installed on mild-freeze temperatures only as the external pipes may freeze once the temperature drops substantially.
• Evacuated-tube Solar Collectors – this type of solar collector has an array of transparent glass tube arranged parallel to each other.  Every tube has an outer glass tube along with a metal absorber tube connected to a fin.  The coating on the fin absorbs solar energy but holds back radiative heat loss.  These solar collectors are mostly used for commercial applications.

Installing a solar water heating system will actually depend on multiple factors.  Some of these factors would include solar resource, climate, safety issues as well as local building codes.  This makes it important to have a qualified contractor to install the system for you.  Once the installation has been done and the system is running smoothly, you will need to have it maintained by a solar contractor at least every 3 to 5 years to keep it running that way.  For active systems, it is important to discuss the maintenance requirement with your unit provider.  Passive systems on the other hand do not really require that much maintenance.

There are basically 5 types of water heating systems – storage water heaters, tankless water heaters, solar water heaters, heat pump, and indirect water heaters.  Each type of system has its own advantage including significant disadvantages.  This makes it important to identify which one is most suitable for your water heating needs.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, also called as on-demand and instantaneous water heaters, are water heating units that do not use any storage tank.  This means they do not heat water beforehand and store it somewhere.  Instead, these water heating units heat water only when the demand for hot water is needed.  This means that these water heating systems do not suffer from any ‘standby energy loss,’ which in turn saves you money on utility bills.

Tankless water heaters basically works by passing cold water through pipes or tubes inside the unit which are heated by either an electric heating element or a gas-fired heating element.  This type of water heating system in turn can provide a constant stream of heated water.  The advantage of this type of water heating system as compared to a storage water heating systems is that the hot water you use is not limited to how much the storage tank can store and how fast it can reheat a whole tank.  Its main disadvantage on the other hand is the rate of flow.  This means that if there are two hot water taps being used simultaneously, the water heating unit will not be able to cope and will instead just provide both taps with heated water with a lowered temperature.

On average, tankless water heating units have a rate of flow of 2-5 gallons per minute.  Gas-fired models can usually generate a higher volume than electric models.  Still, there are times that a gas-fired unit, even the largest model, cannot accommodate supplying hot water during simultaneous usage, especially for large households.  A good example for such simultaneous hot water usage would be when taking hot shower at the same time running the dishwater and the clothes washer.  Such usage is simply too much for a tankless water heater to accommodate and may push the unit to its limit.  In order to overcome this problem, the solution would be to have two tankless water heaters installed connected parallel to each other so when the demand of heated water rises, the two units will work in tandem to supply the necessary heated water.  Another solution would be to install a point-of-use tankless water heater to areas you frequently use hot water such as on the dish washer and the on clothes washer.

Although it can be said that gas-fired tankless water heaters can generate a higher flow rate than electric units, they, however, waste a lot of energy, especially since they always need to have a pilot light on.  Such energy loss from gas-fired tankless units can sometime offset the standby energy loss from storage water heaters.  In fact, the pilot light from storage water heating units’ even helps to heat up the tank which is why the energy used from the pilot light isn’t wasted.  This is why when buying a tankless water heater, it is very important to know and ask whether the unit of your choice uses a standing pilot light, or if it has an intermittent ignition device (resembles the spark ignition on stoves) that allows the pilot light to be reignited when used.

If your home or household uses around 40 gallons or less daily, then tankless water heaters may be the one suited for you as they would be more energy efficient as compared to using storage water heaters.  In fact, if you install a tankless water heating unit for every hot water outlet, you will even achieve greater energy savings.

When buying a tanless water heater, you will notice that they cost more than the traditional storage tank water heaters.  However, even if they are pricier, they have lower operating costs which mean the added price will offset itself in the long run.

Buying a whole house tankless water heater can be difficult if you do not know the criteria or aspects to look for.  This makes it important to know the factors you need to know when buying one.  Some of the common factors would be size, fuel type, energy efficiency, and cost.  Size is a very important factor when buying a water heating unit as it should be able to accommodate certain simultaneous usage, such as a shower and a tap.  This type of usage will require you to have a flow rate of at least 3.25 gallons per minute.  Another factor to look for would be the fuel type or energy source.  This would either be electric or gas-fired.  If you decide to choose a gas-fired unit, your area or place should have that fuel source available.  Otherwise, there would be nothing to heat your water if you bought a gas-fire unit when there is no available gas line in your area.

Energy efficiency is another factor to look for in a water heater.  This is because the overall efficiency of a water heating unit will yield to lower operating cost.  As with every household appliance, price and cost is always a factor to consider. The initial cost of a tankless water heater is more than the conventional storage types.  Add to that the installation cost of the unit and the overall price will increase.  Nevertheless, it is necessary for you to hire a reputable contractor as this will help to ensure that your water heating unit is installed properly so that its energy efficiency can be optimized.

There are basically 5 types of water heating system – storage water heaters, on-demand/tankless/instantaneous water heaters, solar water heaters, heat pump, and indirect water heaters.  Each has its own advantage over the other as well as its significant disadvantage.  This is why it is very important to know which type will suit your water heating requirement best while offering you the necessary savings.

Storage Water Heaters

The storage-type water heater is the most common type of water heating system.  It has a reservoir, depending on the unit, that holds from 20 to 80 gallons of heated water.  The unit works by releasing the heated water inside the tank whenever a hot water tap is opened.  In order to replace the hot water that has been used, the unit automatically supplies the tank with cold water and heats it up to ensure that the tank is always full of heated water ready for use.

Storage tank water heaters, depending on the model, use different types of fuel source.  This would include propane, natural gas, oil, and electricity.  Basically, propane and natural gas water heating systems operate under the same principle – they have a burner underneath the tank which heats the water.  This heating occurs automatically as units are equipped with thermostats that help determine when the water temperature has fallen under preset temperature.   When this happens, a gas valve opens to heat the water and closes when the temperature reaches a setpoint.  Oil-fired water heating systems also operates same way.  The only difference is that they are equipped with burners that mix oil and air into a vaporized mist which is ignited via electric sparks.  Electric water heaters on the other hand use electricity to heat water.  Storage tank water heaters that are powered by electricity are equipped with heating elements that have their own thermostat.  A single unit may have one or two of these heating elements, installed at the bottom and at the top of the tank.  If a water heater unit has two heating element, the bottom heating element is intended for standby heating while the upper heating element is intended for rapid hot water recovery during high hot water demands.

When using storage tank water heaters, since water is constantly being heated inside the tank, energy is being consumed in order to maintain the temperature.  This happens even when there is no tap being opened.  This is called ‘standby heat loss.’  In order to minimize standby heat loss, better insulation is need.  There are certain tank models that are heavily insulated which further reduce standby heat losses.  When looking for such models, try to look for their thermal resistance value (R-Value) which is from R-12 to R-25.  The only water heaters that are not known for having any standby heat loss are tankless water heaters.  However, there is a big difference between storage tank models and tankless models.

Gas-fired and oil-fired water heaters also have their fair share of energy-related losses.  However, instead of simply standby heat loss, these water heaters also suffer from venting-related energy losses.  This energy loss is reduced with the use a fan-assisted gas water heater or an atmospheric sealed combustion water heating unit.  Fan-assisted units use a fan that induces draft to regulate the air that goes through the burner.  This helps to reduce the amount of air during combustion which in turn increases efficiency.  Atmospheric sealed-combustion units on the other hand are equipped with combustion and venting systems that are sealed from the main unit.

When buying a storage tank water heater, it is important to consider several factors such as size and first hour rating, fuel type and its availability in your area, energy efficiency, and most of all, cost.  This is because choosing most inexpensive unit may actually cost you more to operate in the long run as it not only consumes more energy as pricier models, but it also does not have the reliability that more expensive models do.

Once you have considered the factors need when purchasing a unit and may have already purchased one, it is now time to consider the installation and maintenance cost of the unit.  Proper installation is essential to ensure that your water not only works at optimum performance, but also to prevent any unnecessary installation-related problems in the future.  The truth is there are several factors involved with a proper installation.  This would include fuel type, climate, building codes, and safety issues.  The safety issue is mostly predominant with gas-fired units.  This makes it proper to hire a qualified contractor to install your water heating unit for you.  When hiring a contractor, be sure your contractor will be able to provide you cost estimates in writing.  Also, it won’t hurt if you ask around regarding the reputation of your contractor as well as the company they work for.  Make sure that the contractor you are hiring will be the one to acquire the necessary permits and that they know and understand the necessary building codes in your area.

In case you plan on installing the unit yourself, it is important that you consult the installation manual of the unit.  Make sure to also contact your local town or city engineering office to learn about the necessary permits that you need to acquire regarding building and safety codes involving water heater installation.