When the time comes to purchase a new hot water heater, you are faced with many options and technical jargon that might be difficult to understand. The purpose of this website is to educate you and offer you guidance, and it is my hope that our articles and water heater reviews will assist you in finding the best water heater for your needs. On this site you will find both tankless water heater reviews as well as reviews of tank models and the very latest technologies. The article on this page provides an overview of the different kinds of hot water heaters and points to some of the best water heater technologies and individual models that you should consider. A more detailed discussion will be found in the individual articles and reviews on this site.
Gas Water Heater Models
If you need to replace your gas storage tank water heater, you might want to consider an Energy Star certified model, such as one of the high efficiency tank units manufactured by Bradford White, AO Smith and Rheem. These units have better insulation, more efficient burners and more corrosion resistant tanks than standard models, as well as longer warranties.
If you are looking for the best gas water heater that is available, you should purchase a condensing water heater. Storage tank condensing water heaters like the Vertex, Phoenix and Polaris models have an effeciency of over 90%, which is almost 30% higher than standard high efficiency tank models. These units use a standard gas supply, and you can save on intallation costs by using PVC direct vent ducts.
Gas tankless water heater models are more efficient than tank units, and they will reduce water heating energy bills by 25% when compared to standard tank units. Unlike a tank water heater, a correctly sized, whole house tankless water heater will never run out of hot water. Noritz, Takagi, Bosch, Paloma, Rheem and Rinnai make high quality tankless water heater models for both indoor and outdoor installation, however, many tankless water heater reviews agree that the Navien tankless water heater models are the best tankless water heater units on the market. These condensing tankless water heaters have efficiency levels of about 98% and they have many advanced features.
Tankless water heater prices are higher than tank models, but these higher costs are mitigated in the US by a Federal tankless water heater tax credit. This tax credit reduces the tankless water prices by $300.
There are several types of recreational water heaters that utilize propane in its bottled form. These include RV water heater and portable water heater models. Most of the portable model are propane tankless water heater units. These units are becoming more and more popular, and are typically used around campsites for dishwashing, and as a camping shower. They are, however, also useful for outdoor cleaning tasks around the home, and in outdoor shower enclosures or outdoor kitchens in the garden.
Electric Water Heater Models
Water heater prices are lower for electric models, but electric hot water heater models do not qualify for tax credits. High efficiency electric tank units are more expensive than the standard tank models, but they have lower operating costs, and they also have a longer lifespan and longer warranties. Some of the most reputable high efficiency electric water heater models are made by Reem/Ruud, AO Smith as well as Richmond and Reliance. If you can’t afford a high efficiency tank model, you can improve the efficiency of a standard electric tank unit by adding insulation to the tank and water pipes, installing a heat trap, and using a water heater timer. If you are a DIY person you can easily install these devices yourself.
Electric tankless water heater models are at least 20% more efficient than any of the tank models and have a life expectancy of over 20 years. Although whole house electric tankless water heater models are not as powerful as their gas counterparts, two or more units can be connected together to serve larger homes. The most popular electric tankless water heater models are manufactured by Stiebel Eltron, Bosch, Titan, Eemax and Seisco.
Point Of Use Water Heater Models
At one time or another, most of us have been frustrated by the long delays in receiving hot water from remote faucets. The cheapest solution to this problem is to install an inline hot water recirculating pump . Another way is to install an electric point-of-use water heater close to the faucet it serves. Because of the close proximity of the water heater, instant hot water is delivered as soon as the faucet is opened. Because electric tankless water heater models are very compact units that can easily fit into a closet or the space under a sink, they are ideal point of use water heaters.. Mini-tank units like the Ariston water heater models are also widely used for under sink water heater installations
The Insinkerator Hot Water Dispenser is a kitchen sink boiling water tap that provides very cheap boiling water for beverages and many other kitchen uses. These in sink units are the most popular instant hot water dispenser models, and they are designed to match your kitchen decor.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Together with Solar water heaters, heat pump water heaters are the most eco friendly and efficient water heaters on the market. A heat pump water heater is actually a hybrid water heater that consists of a heat pump and an electric tank water heater. Heat pump water heaters utilize heat from the surrounding air to heat water. They are by far the best electric water heater models, and they are loaded with many high tech features. The GE Hybrid Water Heater is the latest heat pump model to be released. This water heater is one of the most sophisticated water heaters to appear on the market, and with its extremely high efficiency, it can cut your water bills by half. If you cannot afford one of the sophisticated electric hybrid water heater models, you can improve the efficiency of your current electric tank water heater by adding a stand-alone heat pump.
Solar Powered Hot Water Heaters
Solar powered water heaters are the only truly green water heaters. Solar water heater prices are very high when compared to that of other water heaters, but they are very durable and will last many years. They will also add resale value to your home. With their extremely low operating costs and their eligibility for substantial tax credits, these water heaters will save you money in the long run.
Water Heater Prices
When comparing water heater prices it is important to consider the heating capacity, efficiency, installation cost and warranty coverage of the models you are interested in. Cheaper, low efficiency models are usually less durable, have shorter warranties, and they will cost you more in the long term. Many water heaters have very impressive features and long warranties, but their warranty service may be very poor. Before purchasing a water heater, it is therefore important to look at unbiased water heater reviews from other consumers to make sure you are selecting the best water heater for your needs. You will find consumer tank and tankless water heater reviews on most of the large shopping sites, as well as on sites like Epinions.com and consumerreports.org . For valuable advice you should also speak to your local plumber.
