The next segment in the My Design Partner series is water heating.
All water heaters are created equally correct? I wish. Unfortunately they are not, and making a bad choice in a water heater can cost you a lot in operating costs. The water heater is the second largest consumer of energy on most residences.
What are the types of water heaters?
For the most part, there are 2 major types of water heaters (WH)- tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. A tank water heater heats up the water and stores it in a tank until the plumbing device that needs hot water calls for it. A tankless (AKA on demand WH)- heat up the water as it flows through the heater therefore does not need a tank.
What are energy used to heat water?
The most common types of tankless water heaters use gas, however some use electricity to heat the water. Tank water heaters use can use either gas, electric or the sun to heat the water. If is a solar water heater, AKA Solar thermal, there is usually a gas or electric backup for when the sun is not out or for overcast days.
Keep in mind:
- Not all water heaters are created equally, some only are build to last a few years, and others such as solar are designed to last even longer.
- A tankless water heater takes 18.5 years to pay for itself, while a solar water heater pays for itself in 3-7 years according to the department of energy.
- A solar water heater can heat up to 90% of the hot water for a house on average for the year.
- A water heater is sized according how much hot water you may use at once. By choosing water saving plumbing devices, you reduce the cost of having to upgrade to a larger water heater.
Bottom Line (based on saving and durability):
- Good: Basic gas or electric tank water heater
- Better: Tankless Water Heater
- Best: Solar Water Heater
My Design Partners that provide flooring:
Fresh World- Velux Solar Water Heaters
European Sink- Water saving plumbing fixtures
For full service design/ build services visit us at SawHorse
Other posts in the “Good Better Best” series: