WATER HEATER OPTIONS, by Visnja Cutura

If you're looking to install a water heater or replace your current one, there are several varieties you should know about.

Conventional storage water heaters remain the most popular type of water heating system for the home. They operate by releasing hot water from the top of the tank when you turn on the hot water tap. Fuel sources for conventional storage water heaters include natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity.

Conventional storage water heaters waste a lot of energy because water is constantly being heated in the tank, even when a hot water tap isn't running. A single-family storage water heater provides from 20 to 80 gallons of hot water.

Tankless water heaters, such as “demand” water heaters and tankless coil water heaters, heat water only on demand, when the hot water tap is turned on. This system avoids standby heat losses.

As the name suggests, tankless water heaters have no storage tank, and don't waste energy heating the water before it's needed. Tankless coil and indirect water heaters use a home's space heating system to heat the water.

Like conventional storage water heaters, gas and oil water heaters also have venting-related energy losses. However, two types of water heaters – fan-assisted gas water heaters and atmospheric sealed-combustion water heaters – reduce these losses.

Solar water heaters use the sun's heat to provide hot water. They are usually more expensive than conventional storage water heaters but they typically have lower annual operating costs. Similarly, heat pump water heaters – which move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly for providing hot water – typically have higher initial costs, but have lower operating costs, which over time can offset their higher purchase and installation prices.

Make sure that it's stipulated in your contract that the contractor will take responsibility to safely discard the old water heater for you.

Proper installation

Proper installation and maintenance of your water heater can optimize its energy efficiency and minimize the potential dangers which can result from improper installation. Proper installation depends on several factors, including fuel type, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues, especially concerning the combustion of gas- and oil-fired water heaters.

Therefore, it's best to have a qualified plumbing or heating contractor install your new water heater or remove the old one. Be sure to review contractors before you hire them, and consult these hiring tips before hiring any contractor.

Here are some final tips:

1. If you did not have a drain pan under the old heater, or if it proved inadequate, a professional plumber can add one under the new heater.
2. It is possible to switch from electric to a gas heating source, or vice versa. It's best to discuss the various installation options with a professional contractor.
3. Your contractor can also the work necessary to accommodate the new tank if it is a different height than the old one.
4. Make sure that it's stipulated in your contract that the contractor will take responsibility to safely discard the old water heater for you.