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Either a propane water heater or solar unit, such equipment is necessary for any household to meet basics or extra needs for heated space and water. Yet, when you only plan to buy one, finding a contractor might help you deal with the purchase.
Professional help is aimed at picking the best unit taking into consideration the size of your family, daily usage of water, and just paying capacity. When people do it all alone, they might be hooked on units that will only make them throw money down the drain.
Read this article to understand the types of units, and how to choose one.
Main Types of Units for Space and Water Heating
Nowadays, it is possible to speak of 5 main types of water heaters available in the market. Each has its own benefits and pitfalls. Off we go!
1. Conventional or Storage Water Heater
As the name suggests, this unit will feature a tank that holds all your water which is heated. It means that a tank will predetermine how much water you will have at once for domestic purposes.
Then, a propane hot water heater comes with an insulated tank which, in turn, means that water will remain warm until you need it and open the tap to take a shower or bath. The tanks include two valves – one for temperature control, and another one for pressure control only.
It would be fair to say that such units are an ideal variant for family houses. The bigger the tank, the more it can provide you with water if there are 3 or more people in your household.
As for the maintenance of such units, you have to regularly organize such services to prolong the lifespan. For instance, you have to clean it whole, a tank just to remove the sediment and mineral scale. It all aims at reducing corrosion which may spoil your unit.
Regarding the benefits of a portable propane water heater with a tank, it is known as an affordable option. It can be easily installed alone or by finding a contraction, – it is fully up to you.
The cons of such systems, they may run out of water fast when a tank is not big, so you have to wait for some time to have your water heated back for domestic purposes.
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2. Tankless Units or On-Demand Ones
Here, you may also guess that, for instance, a tankless 20-gallon propane water heater will feature no storage. Such systems use super-heated coils which then fill with water, and heat it up in a flash but only when you need it.
Yes, you might wait for some time to proceed with showering or bathing, however, it won’t take ages. There are different sizes of on-demand units, and you should consider the right size for your household otherwise you will have lukewarm water when you run out of time.
The maintenance of such units will also require you to clean the whole system at least one time per year. By finding a contractor, you can remove mineral scales or prevent corrosion. Note, that when you clean it all alone, it might be tough because there are lots of small parts that are difficult to access.
The benefits of such units are mainly linked to energy efficiency. You use hot water only when you need it, so your energy bills won’t shock you. The downside is the upfront cost, and expensive renovation if you face breakdowns.
3. Heat Pump Units
It works by using air and ground heat to warm up your water. It leads to the understanding that electricity is used only for moving heat from air and ground to water.
Heat pump units are loved the most because they are linked to 60% savings where less electricity is used compared to traditional water heaters.
Such systems feature tanks, which should be regularly cleaned by finding a contractor or again alone. It helps to prolong the lifespan. The benefits are energy efficacy, hence, savings on your energy bills.
As for the pitfalls, such systems do not work well in cold spaces because they should pull heat from the ground and air around. So, you have to consider this option if you live in sunny or at least warm areas.
4. Solar Water Heaters
Solar units fully rely on the sun and its heat. You have to install roof-mounted panels to access the main fuel. After that, the energy is transferred to a loop system which contains a heat-conductive material that then warms up the water in a tank.
Note, you may also need to think about having backup natural gas or electricity when you experience super cloudy days with no sign of sun.
Maintenance will be required to remove the scale and prevent corrosion. Otherwise, by finding a contractor, you will get to know about the necessary maintenance of solar panels which are expensive units.
The main perks of such units are energy efficiency and savings on electricity. The drawbacks involve high costs and huge investments in case of breakdowns.
5. Condensing Units
Last but not least option is a condensing water heater which works by using natural gas. It exhausts heat from natural gas and uses it to warm up the water. The gas fumes are found at the bottom of the tank near the coils.
As for the maintenance, you will need to clean it, especially the valves.
The main benefit is once again energy efficiency if you are a big family. The main drawback is that it does not fit homes that do not use any natural gas.
So, which one to choose? It is fully up to you which water heater to choose. To find a contractor with Contractorfinder, you have to inform a specialist of your family size, paying capacity, and just general preferences.
After that, you will be guided among the most suitable options for you. Yet, if you live in sunny areas, think about a solar water heater. If in a cold area, think about a propane water heater.
