If you need to replace your hot water heater, you have quite a few options. Here is a quick comparison between conventional water heaters, tank-less water heaters and hybrid hot water heaters. Now you can make an informed decision about what right for you and your family. To get your questions about hot water heaters answered in more detail please call John Stevenson Plumbing at (760) 452-0702.
A conventional water heater works like a pot on the stove. The incoming cold water is directed to the bottom of the tank, near the burner. The hot water is drawn off the top of the tank and piped into your home. Because of the volume of water that conventional water heaters need to store and heat, the efficiency of these heaters is about 60%. These tanks can be bulky and take up quite a bit of room.
Tank-less water heaters don’t store any water. They do have a heat coil or a burner. When you want hot water the burner lights and heats the water flowing through the heater to the temperature you’ve set. The water needs to stay in the unit long enough to get hot. So tank-less hot water heaters work best with a lower water pressure. Some tank-less water heater systems will have several heating coils or burners in succession to provide hot water fast. This type of heater has about 80% efficiency but, it can take some time for your water to get to the correct temperature. Tank-less hot water heaters are relatively small and don’t take up much space.
Hybrid water heaters are unique in that they use the best parts of tank and tank-less water heaters. The tank holds hot water that can be delivered on demand. When the water in the tank has been used, then the water heater functions as a tank-less hot water heater delivering an endless supply of hot water. Hybrid hot water heaters are about 86% efficient and take up about half the area as a conventional hot water heater. John Stevenson Plumbing is proud to carry the Eternal Hybrid Water Heater.
Right now the Federal Government is offering tax credits on Energy Star hot water heaters, up to $300. Click here for more information. John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is your Carlsbad plumber and the go to plumber in North San Diego County. Give them a call at (760) 452-0702 to schedule an appointment.