What Are the Different Types of Water Heaters?

What Are the Different Types of Water Heaters? Image is a photograph of an HVAC professional in a blue jumpsuit and baseball cap working on a water heater.

It’s time to install a new water heater in your Gresham home—but which do you choose? There are several different types of water heaters and many different makes and models available. Where do you even start?

Instead of stressing and trying to figure it all out on your own, turn to Sun Glow Home Services. We offer all types of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions for homes and businesses throughout Oregon.

Types of Water Heaters

Choosing a water heater for your home can be a challenge. Do you replace your current water heater with the same type but go for the newest model—or do you choose a completely different water heater?

Learning about the different types of water heaters and what sets them apart will help you make the most informed decision. But if you would rather leave the recommendation to our experts, go ahead and give us a call!

Here are the three main types of water heaters you have to choose from:

Standard Tank Water Heaters

  • Storage tank water heaters are typically the most common and affordable type of water heater. Water is stored and heated in a tank for when you need it. When you turn on your faucet, it will be delivered.
  • There are several different tank sizes, so tank water heaters are perfect for small and large households and everything in between.
  • You can choose between electric and gas tank water heaters. If you want to reduce your energy use, be sure to opt for an energy-efficient water heater.
  • After all, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that water heating accounts for 20 percent of your home’s energy use. Imagine how much you could reduce your energy use and bills with a more efficient system!

Tankless Water Heaters

  • Tankless water heaters are extremely convenient and efficient. You turn on your faucet, and a gas or electric heating element instantly heats up the water whenever you need it.
  • The main difference between a standard tank water heater and a tankless water heater is that tankless water heaters do not store and heat water in a tank—they supply the hot water on demand, which means no more waiting for the hot water!
  • Another benefit of a tankless water heater is that they are compact. Unlike standard tank water heaters that need space for the storage tank, tankless models attach to a wall and can be installed in smaller areas where space is limited.
  • While some homes use only a tankless water heater, larger households that use plenty of water can use both a tank and tankless model. Doing so gives you an unlimited supply of water!

Heat Pump Water Heaters

  • Also known as hybrid water heaters, heat pumps water heaters (HPWHs) are an extremely energy-efficient option. With these water heaters, you can reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Instead of generating heat, these heat pump water heaters extract heat from the air and transfer it to the water they are heating. As a result, heat pump water heaters can help lower your electric bill, saving you some money each month.
  • Depending on your household income, you could qualify for up to $1,750 in rebates through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). You can also qualify for a capped tax credit of up to $2,000. The 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit provides a capped 30 percent tax credit for residential efficiency and electrification upgrades like new heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
  • Sun Glow Home Services can discuss the different rebates and other incentives that are available to you with the purchase of a heat pump water heater.

Still trying to decide which type of water heater is best for your home? Sun Glow Home Services can factor in the amount of water you use each day, the size of your home, and your particular hot water needs and goals to recommend the best system to choose. Call us today to discuss your options!

Ready to Install Your Water Heater?

Whether you already know which water heater you want to install in your Gresham, OR, home or are looking for a recommendation on which type, make, and model you should upgrade to, Sun Glow Home Services is here to help! We are ready to assist every step of the way. Call us today at (503) 253-7789 or request service online.

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