Did you know there were different types of water heaters?
You do now, thanks to these important tips from “Ask This Old House” ⬇️
Types of Water Heaters:
+ Gas Storage Tank Water Heater [https://thd.co/3oSAr7l]
- Gas burner is underneath the tank. Cold water enters the glass-lined tank by the dip tube and goes to the bottom of the tank. Through the process of convention, hot water rises to the top of the tank.
- A flue runs through the tank and up out of the house to take away exhaust gases.
- Most popular in the USA
+ Electric Storage Tank Water Heater [https://thd.co/3Bl4hV5]
- The process is very similar to the gas water heater. A dip tube brings cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it is heated.
- There is no direct burner but there are electric elements to heat the water, just like the elements found in a coffee machine.
- There is no gas, so there is no need for a flue.
- Usually more expensive to run than a gas water heater.
+ Hybrid Water Heater [https://thd.co/3oAwqnP]
- The water in the tank is heated by a heat pump. It works like an air conditioner does – it moves heat from one location to another. It pulls heat from the surrounding air and, through fans and coils, heats that air even more, then dumps it into a tank to heat water.
- Can be two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters.
- They work best in a warmer climate.
+ Tankless Water Heater [https://thd.co/3Blda0S]
- Also known as “instantaneous” or “on demand” because they make hot water only when you need it.
- When the hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the tankless heater, and a heating element (usually a gas burner, or sometimes an electric element) heats the water as it travels through the tank.
- Popular in Asia and most of Europe. They are starting to gain popularity in the USA.
+ Indirect Water Heater [https://thd.co/2WLuBsu]
- Has no direct flame. It relies on a boiler or furnace to produce its heat. It is typically a stainless steel-lined tank that holds a coiled heat exchanger. Boiler water is pumped into the coil through a pipe that connects the units. The coil transfers the heat into the water in the tank. The water from the boiler never mixes with the water in the tank.
- You’ll need to have a boiler in your home for this type of water heater.
Did you know water heaters make it on the list of Top 10 home defects?
When purchasing or selling a home an inspection is a great way to protect your investment!
What kind of water heater is in your home? Comment below!
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