The hot water in your house comes from a heater that is usually in your basement, attic, or laundry room. When you turn the hot water knob on your fixtures, it not only pulls water directly from the water main, but also from the heater. The mixture of water reaches a comfortable temperature. There are essentially two types of heat sources and two types of water heaters. You can have a tank heater or a tankless heater. These heaters can either be electric or gas.
Tank or Tankless?
A tank heater is one that has a large tank that fills up with water from the water main. Then a heat source, either gas or electric, heats up the water. Typically, it heats the water from the bottom and draws water from the top. Since heat causes the water to rise, heating it from the bottom is the best way to cycle the hot water out and expose the cold water to the heat source. Pulling water from the top means you are getting the hottest possible water when you turn the knob. Tankless water heaters do not have large tubs of water that fill up; instead, they connect to one of your pipes and just heat the water as it passes through the pipe.
Electric or Gas?
The other decision you have to make is whether you want an electric heater or a gas heater. Electric is the simplest solution for most homes, especially if they don’t have a gas connection. Typically, you can connect your electric heater to an appliance outlet and be ready to go. Gas requires a little more installation if there’s not already an outlet. However, gas tends to be a little more cost-effective. You should ask the professionals at a place like Business Name. which type of heater is right for you. You can also follow them on Twitter.
