WATER HEATER BASICS
There are several types of water heaters. They are perhaps the most essential and yet under-appreciated appliance in any modern home. In the average home, they account for roughly 25% of all your home’s energy demand. Typically, a standard water heater has a lifetime of 6-12 years. Likewise, a tankless water heater should last closer to 20-25 years.
Types of Water Heaters
There are basically five types of water heaters:
- Conventional Storage Tank Water Heater
- Tankless Water Heater
- Heat Pump Water Heater
- Solar Powered Water Heater
- Condensing Water Heater
The water heaters are generally described by either their storage type, fuel source, and/or delivery method.
Types of Water Heaters, Size & Capacity
Water heaters come in various sizes and heating capacities. Floor space and water capacity( how much hot water is produced) are the two most important factors for homeowners.
Water Heater Efficiency Factor
Efficiency and performance for ENERGY STAR certified water heaters may be evaluated using two different methods. A water heater can be certified as ENERGY STAR by meeting Energy Factor (EF), Standby Loss, and/or Thermal Efficiency criteria or by meeting Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) criteria. Although these performance metrics are different, certification as ENERGY STAR by either method requires equivalent efficiency. Consumers should not directly compare EF values to UEF values.
The Efficiency Factor, or EF, is the measure of how efficiently your water heater converts energy to transfer heat into your water. With two identically sized water heaters using the same amount of water, the unit with a higher EF will use less energy.
Standard water heaters have an EF of .58-.62 (meaning 58-60% efficient), while Energy Star models are rated at .67 or higher. Electric tank water heaters have very high EFs, above .90, but the energy source is much less efficient, actually making them more expensive to run. Tankless water heaters offer high EFs (.92+) so they can offer energy savings throughout their lifetime.
Water Heater First Hour Rating
Usually, the most prominent number found on your water heater tank will be the first-hour rating. This is not the capacity of the tank, but rather how many gallons of hot water it can produce in its first hour of operation.
Factors such as the temperature of the water coming into your home and your water pressure can impact this rating.
Warranties
Most water heater manufactures offer a warranty. Most offer a standard, 6-8 year warranty or a 10-12 year warranty.
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Last Updated on 4 years ago
