How to choose a water heater
Unlock the secrets of the perfect water heater for your home! Discover all the different types of
water heaters available and how to choose the ideal one for your needs.
Choosing a water heater
A choice that could have a significant impact on your bills and energy consumption, selecting a water
heater is no joke! With different models around and each with their own pros and cons, here is a list of the
most popular choices.
● Storage Water Heater
You can guess by the name of this water heater that it comes with a storage. In fact, it is precisely
in this storage tank that the heated water is stored for future use.
● Instantaneous Water Heater
Differently from the previous one, this water heater does not have a storage space. Instead, the
way it works is by instantly heating the water when it is needed. You can find these instantaneous
water heaters both in electric and gas versions.
● Hybrid Water Heater
This water heater functions with both a tank and a heat pump. Its hybrid structure means that it
can heat the water in two ways: either through the tank or through the heat pump.
● Solar Thermal Panels
Hooked up to solar panels, this is probably the most sustainable water heater out of the bunch.
Also equipped with a tank, this water heater delivers hot water thanks to the energy collected by
the sun.
● Point-of-use Water Heater
Perhaps the tiniest of water heater options, this technology supplies hot water to one single
fixture, like your shower or sink. This can also be found as an instantaneous solution, delivering hot
water instantly.
Water Heater choice factors
Now that you have a general overview of all the different types of water heaters, it is crucial to understand
the remaining factors that you must consider before choosing one for your home.
So, what other factors matter in your water heater choice?
1. Household size
A smart way to choose your water heater is based on your household size and the people living in
it. If your home is big and there are lots of rooms and/or bathrooms that require your water heater
services, it is good practice to choose a boiler that can sustain the hot water demand.
2. Geographic location
Another important factor to keep in mind is how cold it gets where you’re living. Depending on the
temperatures, you’ll want to make sure you have a water heater that won’t leave you without hot
water or heat in your home.
3. Cost-effective
One of the most essential factors when choosing your water heater is to pay attention to its energy
consumption, and seeing how it will affect your bills! The less energy it consumes, the lower your
energy bills will be.
4. Sustainability
Last but not least is the sustainability factor. Choosing a water heater that does not impact the
environment with its emissions and instead, like the solar-powered one for example, works with
renewable resources to power and supply the hot water.
How to maintain a water heater?
A subsequent step that comes after you choose a water heater, is making sure that you maintain it
correctly! A routine check-up and calling on technicians should there be problems with the functioning of
the appliance is a good way to safeguard and prolong the life of your water heater.
For example, preventing and/or limiting the build-up of limescale, a natural consequence of technologies
that deal with water, is a great way to reduce possible malfunctioning.
Overall, choosing a water heater that is good for your home is a personal choice that needs to be taken
seriously and attentively. In the long run, a smart choice will pay off both in terms of energy bills, reducing
your carbon footprint, and ensuring a sustainable supply of hot water!
