Water heaters are one of the most essential devices for any house. It is important that hot water should be available in a house for various domestic purposes.
Water heaters should be bought according one’s own requirement. There are various types available in the market and purchasing the right one becomes a task if one if not sure about its uses and benefits. Let us look at the options that are available and how to choose the best one.
Reviews On Water Heater
While purchasing any kind of water heater, there are two elements which need to be considered. The first one is the unit’s fuel type and the second, the FHR. The second one is the most important differentiating factor between an efficient water heater and non-efficient one. FHR is the short for First Hour Rate. This value determines the number of gallons of hot water that can be produced in the first hour. So, the unit which is equipped with a higher FHR, will not disappoint you for running out of hot water.
Solar Water Heaters
These are thought to be the best water heaters as they run on solar power and are known for their energy-efficient performance. They can be repaired multiple times and are long-lasting. However, they are the best option for places which have ample sunlight.
Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters
These are also known as hybrid water heaters. They are efficient and relatively new in the market. In a conventional one, the water is constantly heated, which results in standby heat loss. Thus, a heat pump add-on can be installed with the heater, to save the energy losses.
Storage-Tank Water Heaters
Storage-tank water heaters are more suitable for budget-conscious people. They are inexpensive and also incur the least for installation. As the name suggests, it heats water in a tank where it is stored until required. These are known to last for approximately 10 years, before they start leaking. Storage-tank water heaters come in types which run on gas (life of 13 years) and those which run on electricity.
Gas Condensing Water Heaters
Gas condensing water heaters are very energy efficient. Unlike others, these units cut the cost of heating water by 30 percent. Also, using these devices would mean non-stop supply of hot water at 3-5 gallons per minute.
Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater is a smart solution for those who cannot compromise on space. As the name suggests, there are no tanks required in these systems, and they last for approximately 15-20 years, which is more than the tank-style units. They have a longer warranty period and are easy to repair. However, even the ones which run on gas, require electricity for operation. So, during power failure, there would be no supply of hot water.
Instantaneous Water Heaters
As the name suggests, these devices are built to provide instant hot water, to a specific sink or shower. Also known as point-of-use water heaters, these units (tank or semi-tankless), are used with other bigger units. For example, if a faucet or shower head is located at a place which is far away from the main water heater, then instantaneous water heaters are the best option.