Hot Water Heaters

During the winter months, heating becomes a major source of expenditure for many people. Many people rely on their heating systems to create a warm and uncomfortable environment against the harshness of winter. 

One important way of creating a comfortable environment is through hot water. Inefficient hot water heaters can significantly drive up your energy consumption and leave you with high energy bills. To avoid this issue, it is important to invest in high-quality hot water heaters that provide comfort, convenience, and low energy bills. 

If you are interested in purchasing such appliances, here is everything you need to know about hot water heaters. 

What Are Hot Water Heaters?

Before we look at different ways to find the best hot water heaters, it is important to look at what these appliances are and how they work. Hot water heaters are the modern way of providing comfort and convenience to any kind of property. 

Whether it's a household or a commercial building, hot water heaters are one of the most important appliances to invest in. These heating systems are even more crucial in colder regions. 

As the name suggests, hot water heaters are a modern appliance designed to heat up your water and provide you with comfortable warmth in the winter. Whether you want to do your laundry or take a bath, this heating system takes cold water and heats it up using an energy-fuel component. 

There are several different types of hot water heaters on the market, and they differ in how they heat up your water. In most places, gas hot water heaters are incredibly common, and they use a gas energy line to heat up the water. 

On the other hand, electric water heaters are considered more efficient than gas water heaters as they provide better functionality and promote energy efficiency. Apart from these two types of water heaters, there are multiple other options to choose from. 

The perfect hot water heater for you depends on the application and the area of the installation. Hot water heaters are a great addition to any kind of household as they help you create a comfortable environment during the wintertime. However, you can also add hot water heaters to offices and commercial properties. 

If you want to add a hot water heating system to these properties, you need to consider the size. Residential hot water heaters do not work well in larger properties; therefore, you must look for specialized hot water heating systems that can provide large capacities of hot water. 

While most hot water heaters have a large structure, there are several options for a smaller, more compact installation. You can also find hot water heaters that supply hot water in a centralised location. 

While not all hot water heaters are energy efficient, there are hybrid models that use energy more wisely than traditional water heater models. Some hot water heaters are also eco-friendly compared to other traditional heating systems, including gas water heaters. 

However, if you want high levels of energy efficiency, consider water heating systems that can be paired with renewable energy sources. There are several hot water heating systems on the market that pair well with solar energy so you can keep your energy bills low and enjoy hot water. 

These water heaters are eco-friendly because they use electricity to operate instead of gas which not all homes have. This quality makes them highly efficient, as little to no energy goes to waste. 

If you want a modern water heating system, opt for electric water heaters. These heating systems provide many capabilities compared to gas water heating systems. Electric water heaters also act as a modular heating system that works well for domestic properties. 

You can easily add multiple new water heaters into your heating system using an electric water heater. This will allow you to control multiple heaters with one main hub. With this configuration, you can pair one large tank-filled water with smaller tankless electric water heaters. 

What Are The Different Types Of Hot Water Heaters?

When it comes to choosing the best hot water heater for your home, there are several different types to choose from. Not all hot water heaters are created, as some can be very beneficial while others might pose an inconvenience. 

Here are some of the most popular types of hot water heaters on the market. 

Conventional Gas Water Heater

A conventional gas water heater uses a tank-style model. This hot water heating system burns propane or natural gas to provide you with hot water. Conventional gas water heaters are designed with a cylindrical glass-lined metal tank that acts as a reservoir for the water. 

Underneath this structure is a gas burner that heats the water contained in the reservoir. A gas water heater works just like a gas stove which means that once the burner is turned on, it starts heating up the water. 

An exhaust system in this heater vents the combustion gasses into the outdoors. Some gas water heaters have an automatic ignition system which sometimes requires electricity. You can also pair an automatic system with a standing pilot light. This component can be ignited with a match or through an electronic igniter. 

Conventional Electric Water Heater

This is the most common type of electric water heater that consumers are familiar with. These heating systems use a heating element component to provide warm water on demand. 

The amount of hot water you get is determined by the heater tank size. Therefore, this is an important factor to consider when purchasing a conventional water heater. 

These electric water heating systems use an insulated water storage tank where the hot water gathers and remains until it is used. These types of water heaters have a pipe on top from which the water emerges and enters your plumbing. 

The average size of a conventional electric water heater tends to be between 30 to 80 gallons. This size of electric water heater can adequately provide hot water to moderately or larger-sized homes. 

Since this water heating system uses electricity, it is connected to your power supply. To avoid any breakdowns and electricity faults, make sure to provide a proper power line between your heating systems and the main power system. This will allow you to use the heating system without any interruptions.  

When you set a temperature on a conventional water heater, the unit ensures the water remains at this temperature. If the water temperature drops below the preset level, the heater kicks back on to bring the temperature back up. This water goes through a continual heating process 24 hours a day, and you don’t need to adjust the heater manually. 

As mentioned before, conventional water heaters contain several features that protect the heating unit. These features include the temperature relief valve, which opens up if the water exceeds a specific preset temperature. 

Similarly, the temperature valve protects your water heating unit if there is too much pressure in the tank. While most electric storage tank water heaters have a low upfront cost, they can become costly if not used efficiently. 

To ensure that you save on energy, always look for conventional heaters made from high-quality materials, which will ensure excellent performance. 

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are a much more convenient and compact option for electric water heaters. Since these hot water heaters don’t have a tank, they provide hot water on demand. With this hot water heater, you can be sure that no hot water goes to waste. 

As with the conventional water heater, this tankless heating system also uses a heating coil to provide warm water. Tankless hot water heaters are highly convenient and easy to install. However, since these hot water heating systems do not have a tank reservoir, there might be limitations on how much water you can use. 

Additionally, you might need multiple tankless water heaters to provide hot water in larger buildings. Despite these limitations, tankless water heaters can be highly convenient for multiple applications. These water heaters are heating coils to warm up water and provide it as needed. 

Since you have more control over the amount of hot water, you can enjoy energy efficient heating without worrying about your energy bills. Additionally, you waste less water with these heaters because the appliance does not continuously keep heating the water up. 

However, it is important to note that tankless water heaters don’t work very well with low or fluctuating water pressure. This happens because the sensors cannot accurately detect the minimum flow rate. Despite this limitation, properly sized tankless water heating systems offer much better energy efficiency than a conventional tank water heater. 

Tankless water heaters also have a much longer lifespan than conventional heaters, so you can keep enjoying hot water for a long time. To enjoy this long lifespan, you must make sure to conduct proper maintenance. 

Make sure to clean the heater once a year and remove minerals. This process will help you avoid corrosion and ensure the longevity of your water heating system. 

Hybrid Electric Water Heaters

If you are looking for another efficient water heater system, you should opt for a hybrid electric water heater. These modern heating systems use 60% less energy than conventional electric water heaters, which makes them a great option for conserving power. 

Hybrid electric water heaters capture heat from the air and then transfer it to the water. The heater uses heat pump equipment which is located at the top of the device. 

The heat pump in the hybrid system works alongside a refrigerant component. This refrigerant system travels through a copper coil on the top of the unit and evaporates in the system. Once the refrigerant evaporates, it draws heat from the surrounding air. 

The refrigerant fluid travels further into the coil immersed in the water heater. When the fluid reaches this point, the compressor pressurizes it and releases the heat into the water. While this process seems very long and complicated, it happens almost immediately, so you don’t need to wait too long to enjoy hot water. 

Apart from this process, it is important to know that the heat pump component is used in conjunction with a backup resistive heating element. This allows you to enjoy uninterrupted hot water. 

A hybrid water heating system uses less energy than a conventional electric water heater. Furthermore, this heating appliance uses even less energy than a gas water heater making it an ideal choice for many consumers. 

A hybrid water heater’s unique style gives it an edge over other water heating systems. This system is different as it uses heat in the surrounding air and in the groundwater to heat up your water supply. This means energy is only used to move heat from the air or ground. 

Conventional water heaters use electricity to generate heat, making them less efficient than a hybrid system. If you plan on installing a hybrid water heater, make sure to install it in a wide open space. 

Since this heating system has a pump on top, you need room to install it properly. As mentioned before, this hybrid heating system is incredibly efficient and can be very cost-effective in the long run. 

How Do Hot Water Heaters Work? 

Most hot water heating systems look ordinary from the outside, but these appliances carry out extremely complicated processes to provide you with hot water in seconds. The heating process differs across the type of appliance and how it is powered. 

On the outside, most hot water heaters have a cylindrical metal shape, often found in a utility room or a basement. However, there are also modern water heaters that have a tankless appearance. 

Since these heating appliances don’t have a tank, they provide hot water on demand. The heating mechanism in a hot water heater is often found inside or at the bottom. 

Common energy sources for hot water heaters include electricity, natural gas, and burner oil. As mentioned before, modern hot water heating systems also use solar or geothermal energy to provide more energy efficiency.

Before we look at the process behind hot water heaters, it is important to look at all the important components of these appliances.

Important Components In A Hot Water Heater

Here are all the important components of a hot water heater. These components are responsible for carrying out the water heating process:

• The Tank: This is one of the largest components in a hot water heater. The tank is the inner shell of the heating system and is commonly made of metal. In this component, you will find cold water that is heated up to provide you with warm water. The tank is built with a protective liner to maintain the safety of the heating system. The exterior of the tank is made using polyurethane foam. On top of this material, there is a decorative other shell and an additional insulating material. 
• Dip Tube: The dip tube is where the water enters the hot water heater. This component is located on the top of the tank. The dip tube allows the water to travel to the bottom of the tank, where it gets heated. 
• Shut-off Valve: The hot water heater component stops the water from coming out of the heating system. It is located outside the tank and situated at the top. 
• Heat Out Pipe: This component is suspended at the top of the tank’s interior. The heat-out piece is important as it allows hot water to exit the water heater.
• The Thermostat: This component is responsible for the temperature control of your hot water heater. While all hot water heaters have similar thermostats, some electric heating systems provide a separate thermostat for each element. 
• Heating Mechanism: This highly crucial component is responsible for turning cold water hot. Gas water heaters use a burner and chimney system to carryout out the heating process. On the other hand, electric water heaters use a heating element to make the water hot. 
• Drain Valve: This component is located at the button of the tank housing exterior. The drain valve is important for removing sediments and replacing heating elements in the tank. This component is also important if you want to move the tank to another location. 
• Pressure Relief Valve: This safety component keeps the pressure inside the water within a safe limit. 
• Anode Rod: The anode rod component is either made of aluminium or magnesium. The rod also has a steel core that helps in the heating-up process. This anode rod is placed in the water heater tank and is important for stopping corrosion in the tank’s lining. Due to this reason, the anode rod ensures the longevity of your water heater system. 

Now that you know what these components are and how they work, it is time to look at how the water gets heated up in a hot water heater.  

The thermostats in a hot water heater control the temperature of the water in the tank structure. It is recommended that you set the thermostat's temperature between 50 to 60 degrees for optimal operation. This temperature is hot enough for comfort and convenience without posing any risk of burning yourself. 

If you have children at home, it is important to stick to the lower end of the temperature range. In addition to this, setting your water heater temperature at a lower level also helps you save on energy costs

If you are away from home for a long time, you should keep the temperature at the lower end to save energy costs. In most hot water heaters, the thermostat is located underneath a protective cover element. These thermostats often have a knob or dial that you can turn to your desired temperature. 

The dip tube in the hot water tank feeds cold water from your home’s plumbing to the button of the tank’s interior. Once you turn the hot water heater on, the heating component, either an element or a burner, starts working until the water reaches your set temperature. 

As the water in the tank heats up, it rises to the top of the structure. The heat-out pipe is located around the top of the water tank. It is important to remember that any water at the top of the tank is always at any given time. This happens because it is the nature of the water to rise above the dense cold water. 

Hot water heaters are so efficient because they are designed to separate incoming cold water from outgoing hot water. The water heating tank relies on the principle that heat will rise to the top to provide warm water. 

The position of the heat-out pipe helps in this process. Many electricians and home improvement experts recommend performing annual maintenance on tank style heaters to help you increase their longevity. You can carry out this maintenance by yourself or work with a professional technician. 

How Electric Hot Water Heaters Work

Electric water heaters work similarly to gas water heaters; however, the main difference is the heating element. Electric water heaters use an electric heating element, while a gas water heater uses a burner to provide hot water through your pipes and into the household. 

The process of heating water is complicated, but incredibly fast, so you don’t have to wait long to enjoy hot water.  Once you turn on the electric water heater, the cold water gets brought into the tank through a dip tube. This cold water is then heated with the electric heating element inside the tank. As the element burns, the hot water is heated and rises in the tank. 

Once the water reaches your optimal temperature level, it moves through your home's plumbing. As the heat rises, the electric water heaters move the hot water through the heat out pipe. 

Every electric water heater has a thermostat, so homeowners can adjust the setting according to their preferences. This thermostat is directly connected to the heating element, which allows you to select the ideal temperature for your home more accurately. 

With a gas water heater, the temperature level is not always as accurate as with an electric water heater. Through this process, you get immediate hot water from electric water heaters without waiting too long. This quick and efficient process allows you to enjoy hot water comfortably without worrying about energy costs. 

Almost all electric water heaters also have several protective measures to avoid overheating the appliance. These measures not only ensure the safety of your electric heater but also make sure that you remain safe. 

All electric water heaters contain a temperature and pressure relief valve. These valves are also known as T and P valves. These components will open up and release water if the temperature inside your electric water heater tank is too hot. 

These valves also open up if the pressure inside the tank is too high. This preventative measure ensures that the electric water heater does not explode due to high temperature/pressure. 

In addition to this component, all-electric water heaters have a drain valve on the side of the tank to help maintain the appliance's health. This side valve is important for draining the water heater to reduce sediment build-up. 

Removing sediment from your heating appliance is an important part of its maintenance and upkeep. Furthermore, the water heater tank itself contains insulations that keep water for a long period of time. This insulation ensures that the hot water does not affect the metal structure of the water heater tank. 

Lastly, every electric water heater has a sacrificial anode rod that is another protective component. This anode rod is made from a metal that rusts much faster than the metal used in the structure of the water heater tank. 

This anode component prevents the electric water heater tank from rusting. However, you must make sure to replace the anode rod every 1 to 2 years to enjoy its protective qualities. 

How Gas Water Heaters Work

A gas hot water heater works just like an electric hot water heater however, the main difference lies in the energy source and heating element used. 

In a gas powered hot water heater, the cold water is brought into the tank through the dip tube and heated up with a gas burner. This burner component burns that gas and release very hot and toxic air through a chimney. 

As mentioned before, the chimney is gas powered water heater located in the middle of the tank. The chimney is an important component in this heating system as it moves the toxic air outside the heating tank.  

As the chimney heats up, the surrounding water gets heated up as well. When this process occurs, heat rises, and the water heater uses this to bring hot water through your home’s plumbing. 

Warm water rises to the top of the hot water tank and is moved through the home’s piping with the help of the heat-out component. When you open the faucet for warm water, cool water is brought in through the dip tube and heated up. The thermostat of gas hot water heaters is connected to the gas line. 

When you toggle the thermostats, you adjust the amount of heat reaching the burner. Just like the electric water heaters, you should also use pressure relief and temperature valves to maintain the safety of your gas hot water heater.  

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

While tank style hot water heaters are incredibly common, there has been a steady rise in demand for tankless hot water heaters. Conventional tank hot water heaters continuously heat water, so you can use this amenity when needed. However, tankless hot water heaters operate differently. This heating system provides hot water on demand. 

Tankless hot water heating systems sit idle most of the time, but they automatically turn on whenever you require hot water. These heating systems provide fewer gallons per minute of warm water compared to a typical hot water heater. 

In addition, tankless water heaters can sometimes take a while to heat up. However, if you are looking for a highly energy efficient hot water heater, this is a great option. Tankless hot water heaters use almost little to no energy when the hot water is not needed. 

By comparison, traditional hot water heaters will keep switching themselves on to maintain the heat in the water tank. This process occurs even when you are not at home. It is important to note that most tankless hot water heaters have high initial costs compared to a standard hot water heater. However, these heating systems prove very cost-effective in the long run. 

Also, you will need multiple water heaters to provide hot water to multiple bathrooms and appliances. Therefore if you are looking for a modular hot water heating system that helps you save on energy costs, in the long run, you should opt for a tankless hot water heater. 

How Non-Conventional Hot Water Heaters Work

Apart from the standard tank style and tankless hot water heaters, there are several non-conventional heating systems as well. These non-conventional heating systems are often found in niche applications, but you can also try to implement them in a residential or commercial property. 

Solar water heating systems use a series of water-filled pipes which are installed along the roof of a building. This plumbing collects natural heat from the sunlight and then transfers the water into an insulated water collection tank. This process happens through gravity flow or specialised pumps. 

Since this water heater uses solar power, you don’t waste much money on electricity or gas. However, you must make sure to install these heating systems in a warm and sunny area on the roof. 

If your region does not get a lot of sunlight during the winter season, this might not be an ideal option for you. Apart from this, there are other limitations of solar powered hot water heaters. In some situations, extremely cold weather can cut off the hot water supply. 

Furthermore, it takes a long time for the storage tank in a solar hot water system to replenish. You must wait until the tank is completely drained before replenishing it. However, you can supplement the solar water heaters with an additional power source, such as electrical or gas heating, to alleviate any limitations. 

These power sources can act as a backup in an emergency situation. Apart from solar water heaters, you can also find geothermal water heating systems. These hot water heaters work similarly to solar water heaters but use underground pipes. 

In regions with high volcanic activity, geothermal heaters work more efficiently as they use the heat generated from the earth’s core. This type of heating system also uses an anti-freeze mixture to maintain heat in the water. 

How Hybrid Hot Water Heaters Work

Since there is increased awareness of energy efficiency, many consumers are opting for a hybrid hot water heater instead of conventional or tankless heating systems.

In general, hybrid hot water heaters combine the technology of standard and tankless hot water heaters to give your convenience without the added energy cost. Traditional tank water heaters work from the bottom and let the rise through the structure. 

While this process provides you with hot water, it also allows a significant portion of heat energy to go to waste. When it comes to tankless hot water heaters, these also operate similarly; however, the water in these systems flows through a copper pipe system. 

Despite wasting less heat energy, these heating systems also come with several limitations, such as not storing any water in the heater structure. Additionally, you might need several tankless hot water heaters to provide warm water throughout your home. 

Hybrid hot water heaters take the best parts of both standard and tankless hot water heaters to give an efficient and reliable heating system. The technology behind hybrid hot water heaters varies by model. However, all these versions follow a general heating process. 

Just like a tankless heater, a hybrid hot water heating system uses several pipes to heat up the water flow for quick and efficient heating. But what sets these heaters apart from tankless water heaters is that they contain a reservoir to hold some at all times. 

This means you will never run out of hot water with a hybrid heating system. This is just one way hybrid hot water heaters work, as there are many more models still in development. 

Some manufacturers are creating hybrid hot water heaters that absorb heat within the air and then transfer this heat into the water. Some modern hybrid hot water heaters will combine multiple technologies, including fuel cells and batteries, to provide convenience and comfort. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Water Heaters

Whether you are looking for a hot water heater or want to know more about your existing appliance, here are all the answers to your pressing questions about hot water heaters.

How Long Do Hot Water Heaters Usually Last?

While some electric and gas hot water heaters vary in terms of their lifespan, you can typically use a hot water heater for 8 to 12 years. 

After 12 years, you might need to consider changing your heating system with a newer model. The reason why hot water heaters last so long is that they have an anode rod. This component protects the interior lining of the tank by removing any and all corrosive particles. This process is called electrolysis. 

When the anode rod has corroded to such an extent that it can no longer protect your tank, you must replace your water heater. If you opt for a tankless water heater, you can enjoy them for over 20 years. 

Since these heating systems do not operate continuously to maintain a supply of warm water, they last a lot longer than their traditional counterparts. However, after the 20-year mark, the tankless water heater also suffers from corrosion, so you will have to replace them. 

What Are The Signs Of Hot Water Heaters Going Bad?

If you are close to the end of a hot water heater’s lifespan, you might wonder when is the best time to replace them. Here are some important signs that indicate if your hot water heater is going bad:

• There is a strange colour or tint to your water supply. This tint is a result of rust. Therefore, your heater is showing signs of wear.
• Your system is outdated.
• A loud gurgling or popping sound is coming from the tank. This could be a large sediment build-up in the tank. 
• Water starts pooling around the heater unit.
• Your hot water heater stops providing hot water. 

What Are The Best Hot Water Heaters On The Market? 

There are several great options for hot water heaters on the market, but it can be difficult to know which one is the most reliable. If you are looking for the best hot water heaters, visit Meteor Electrical. 

At Meteor, you can browse through ATC’s hot water heaters. ATC is one of the leading manufacturers of energy efficient products. All ATC products are built with customer support in mind, so you are guaranteed comfort and convenience. These heating systems are highly efficient and perform extremely well compared to other hot water heaters. 

Here are some of the best hot water heaters Meteor has to offer. 

1. ATC 5 litre Under Sink Water Heater

If you are looking for a moderately sized hot water heater, this is a great option for your household. These highly convenient water heaters are easy to install, and they are compact enough to be fitted under any sink. 

Due to the 5 litre undersink water heater heating qualities, you save more on heating costs than traditional venting systems. The 5 litre undersink water heater is made from high-quality materials that will make your heating system last a long time. 

Under sink water heater installation for this brand is simple and can be mounted on the wall or the floor. 

1. ATC 10 Litre Under Sink Water Heater

If you are looking for a slightly larger hot water heart, the ATC 10 litre heating system is a great option. This ATC heater is one of the most convenient water heaters on the market. 

Due to its compact size, you can install these heating solutions in almost any location. The ATC 10 litre water heater is highly versatile and works well in residential and commercial properties. 

Final Takeaway

Hot water heaters are an important investment for any household. These convenient appliances instantly provide hot water so you can enjoy a comfortable winter season. Make sure to browse through all the different types of hot water heaters to find the best option for you.