Types of Water Heaters

Depending on how much hot water you use and how you’re heating the water (gas or electric), there are different choices to choose from.

Storage Tank Water Heaters

Storage tanks are the most common type of water heater. These consist of an insulated tank in which water is heated and stored until needed. Natural gas water heaters typically use less energy and cost less to run than electric water heaters, although you should note that gas models can cost more at the time of purchase.

Tankless Water Heater

Rather than storing water, tankless water heaters use heating coils to heat the water as it is needed. Because these systems function on an on-demand basis, they do not require a holding tank to store pre-warmed water. No storage or holding reserve means that tankless water heaters have a life span that's twice as long as traditional systems because the risk of rust and corrosion is significantly lowered. As well, in some cases, you can save up to 75% of traditional water heaters. If your home or cottage has hard water, you will need to consider the effects of mineral deposits on the heat exchanger.

As well, a tankless water heater is able to precisely control the temperature of the water, which means temperature drops and spikes in the shower are far less likely to happen. There's nothing worse than a sudden, unexpected temperature spike in the shower!

Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heater

These water heaters capture heat from the air and transfer it to the water. They use about 60 percent less energy than standard electric water heaters. And while they cost more than electric-only models, installation is similar and payback time is short. But they don’t work well in very cold spaces and need to be placed in an area that stays about 40° F to 90° F.

Condensing Water Heater

Condensing water heaters are an option if you heat with gas and need a unit with a capacity of more than 55 gallons. These models have a tank like a conventional water heater, but they capture exhaust gases that would normally go out the flue, which wastes energy. These gases are blown through a coil in the base of the unit, where incoming cold water can absorb most of the heat.

Hot Water Safety

Another thing to think about is how hot your water heater is set at. While turning the temperature down on your water heater could save you money, something to consider is Legionella. Legionella are bacteria that live in water that can cause two types of illness in humans: Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever.

Legionella bacteria are found in natural water sources such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams generally at levels that are too low to cause disease in people. Cases of Legionnaires’ disease have occurred in many different settings, including homes, commercial buildings, spas, cruise ships and health care facilities.

In your home, you can reduce the risks through proper maintenance of all mist-producing devices, such as showerheads, hot tubs, whirlpool bathtubs, and humidifiers. Make sure you clean and disinfect these devices regularly according to manufacturer directions. Keeping your home water heater at a suitable temperature (a minimum of 60°C) will also help prevent the growth of Legionella. However, to reduce the risk of scalding, it is important that the temperature of the water be no higher than 49°C at the tap. We can help you to install mixing valves to control the tap water temperature.

Triple Tech is a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, and we'd be happy to fill you in on all of the benefits of different types of water heaters, whether you're looking to free up space at home or keep your cottage running efficiently. Triple Tech proudly serves the communities in and around Midland and Penetanguishene. We go as far east as Orillia, west to Wasaga Beach, as far south as Innisfil and North all the way up to Parry Sound. Give us a call at 705-333-8324 today.