When it comes to shopping around for a new hot water heater, the most important thing you can do is your research. There are many variables that will influence which type, size, make, and model water heater is right for your home or business. That’s right; there is more than one kind of water heater to choose from. The most common are tank-style water heaters, which are the traditional versions you’ll see in most homes and small offices. There are also tankless water heaters, and even water heaters that combine the two, known as hybrid water heaters.
Continue reading to learn more about these styles of water heaters, including what a hybrid water heater can offer in terms of your water heating needs.
Tank and Tankless Water Heaters
Tank-style water heaters and tankless water heaters are similar in that they both heat water from the bottom, up. However, they have many differences. Traditional water heaters are designed with a large tank that stores heated water for the entire property. The water inside these tanks are kept warm continuously even when the water is not being used, which requires a constant supply of energy. The energy used to keep the water at a set temperature inside a traditional unit is referred to as “stand-by heat loss.”
Tankless water heaters eliminate this wasted energy usage by heating water up at the time of demand, which is why they are also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters. Tankless water heaters use a simple process to heat water. When warm or hot water is requested, city water is sent into the property through a series of pre-existing water lines. At the same time, a heating device called a heat exchanger is activated, which uses electric coils or a gas-fired burner to generate heat, and then transfer that heat to the water in order to warm it up.
Hybrid Water Heaters
Hybrid water heaters offer the best of both a tank-style and tankless water heater. Most admirably, they save a lot of energy because they heat up water faster. They use a series of plumbing pipes to heat up water all at the same time, rather than a whole tank or single line of copper piping. This heats up water faster, plus reduces the time we wait for water to get hot. Saved energy translates to saved money in the form of lowered monthly utility bills. It is also great for the environment, and those who wish to go green with home plumbing.
What else can a hybrid water heater do for you? Well, a lot.
☑ They hold up to 3X more water than tank-style units.
☑ They use nearly 50% less gas than comparable models.
☑ Most come with a long manufacturer warranty!
Professional Water Heater Advice and Service in Indianapolis
Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding Indianapolis hot water heater service, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Contact us today for free advice on choosing a water heater, or to schedule service for your home or office!
