While comparing the best water heater options for your home, relevant factors like upfront/ongoing costs, your family’s heating needs, and available space are all important considerations. As unique as your home’s heating goals, there are a variety of different heaters to compare, each with its pros and cons. In this helpful overview, we’ll cover some common heater types and which systems might work best for your home, budget, and overall heating desires. 

Tank Water Heaters Are Affordable & Easy to Install

Available in various sizes and powered by natural gas, electric, and even oil or propane, tank systems are an affordable option that provides plenty of flexibility. With average sizes ranging from 30 to 80 gallons, tank heaters provide a steady supply of warm water and can be the best option for families that depend on moderate to high warm water consumption. 

Since the tanks are insulated and water retains heat very well, these systems are relatively cheap to operate. Unfortunately, if you don’t use a lot of warm water, a tank system can be less efficient because it regularly activates to maintain a consistent internal temperature. Also, these systems require a larger space and may not be the best choice for smaller homes. 

Tankless Systems Are Compact & Great for On-Demand Water Heating

If a discreet and convenient water heating system sounds like your perfect home addition, you’ll appreciate the versatility of a tankless system. Usually powered by electricity or natural gas, these compact units heat the water as it passes through the wall-mounted system. Unlike tank heaters that constantly activate to maintain a consistent water temperature, tankless systems only activate when you turn on the hot water, resulting in potential savings. 

If you are short on space and only use low to moderate amounts of warm water (less than 40-50 gallons a day), a tankless system may be the perfect option for your home. 

Condensing Water Heaters Take Advantage of Your Natural Gas System

Lean efficiency and eco-friendly operation define condensing water heaters. Instead of using electricity or propane, these systems utilize the excess waste gas from your natural gas system to warm the water. Although similar to traditional tank systems store the warmed water in an insulated tank, the way the heat is generated through waste gas is the main differentiator that leads to significant long-term energy savings.

Due to the multi-step process of condensing heaters, the installation/units cost more upfront but can pay for themselves in long-term efficiency if you already have a natural gas system in place. 

Learn More About the Best Water Heaters at Yorktowne Industrial Solutions

These are only a few of the most popular models to consider. To learn more about our energy-saving water heater installations in York, PA, tell us about your goals and we’ll protect your budget, optimize your heating, and keep your system in great shape for years to come.