Types of Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heaters
- Provides an instantaneous, or continuous flow
- These units do not retain any water internally, instead it instantly heats water as it flows through the unit
Advantages
- Continuous flow of hot water
- Saves energy, and lowers monthly costs
- Does not store water internally, so if there were a crack in the unit it would not flood gallons of water in your basement
Conventional Water Heaters
- Draws air from inside your home and is vented through the chimney. Venting can be shared with most mid-efficency furnaces and boilers
- Requires a liner to be installed in the chimney
- Stores gallons of water in a holding tank for it to be ready for your usage
Power Vented Water Heaters
- These water heaters do not require venting through a chimney
- Instead they have a motor on top that moves combustion air out a side was
- Usually used in new homes that do not have chimneys, or poor access to a chimney
- As well as having an electrial outlet approximately 6 feet away from the water heater location (required for the length of the cord to plug in)
Electric Water Heaters
- Use electricity to heat coils at the bottom of the tank which heats the water in the tank
- Does not require venting, or a chimney
- Often used in crawlspaces, condominiums or in cases where a bedroom or bathroom are communicating (in the same room) with the water heater.
- Electric tanks are approx. 40% less efficient than gas water heaters and will increase your monthly bills
Water Heaters can be a large portion of your monthly utility costs when owning a home. Either you own your Water Heater and are responsible for any upkeep or replacement. Or you pay a monthly rental and have the assurance and peace of mind that if anything happens it will be covered by the HVAC company.
Renting your water heater can definitely be a safe option, especially for first time home buyers who are unsure as to how a water heater operates. The monthly rental fee usually covers any service and maintenance issues, parts that may need to be installed as well as the installation of a new tank if the current unit is deemed unrepairable. With the costs of service and installation over the assumed 15 year lifespan of the Water Heater you will most likely save money, as well a keep peace of mind when renting your water heater.
Watch out for Door to Door gas company representatives asking to see your water bills or inspect your Water Heater. There have been companies claiming to be your provider and removing other companies Water Heaters to install their own without you even realizing it.
****If this situation arises contact the company who you rent the water heater from and avoid allowing access to your home****
For more information or any questions involving water heaters or renting vs. owning contact Scott
