What Types of Water Heaters Are There?

Kimlin Energy can help you stay in hot water!

The average lifespan of a standard storage tank water heater is 10 to 12 years. If your own water heater is getting close to or has already reached that age, start planning to replace it now. At Kimlin Energy, we know how to take care of your water heater so that you don't have to. Whether you need a water heater installation, some maintenance work, or repairs, our team is always here to help for an affordable price. Plus, with one of our affordable service plans, you can rest easy knowing that your new water heater will be properly maintained and protected against potential future issues. Let’s run through the three main types of water heaters on the market.

Storage tank water heaters

A tank water heater stores and heats a lot of water so it's readily available whenever you need it. The pipe on top of the tank transports hot water to where it's needed, like the dishwasher, shower, or washing machine. A great way to reduce your energy expenses is by replacing an old tank water heater with a new one. Today's tank water heaters offer great energy efficiency, and are low-cost and simple to set up, making them favored among many homeowners.

Tankless water heaters

A tank water heater stores all the hot water your home uses at a given time. It has to heat and reheat the water throughout the day so that you always have access to hot water. That uses a lot of energy. A tankless water heater heats water only when you need it, rather than heating an entire tank of water all day and night. This provides never-ending hot water without any concern for how much is in the tank. With a tankless water heater, you could potentially lower your water heating energy costs by 40%. This would be significant since water heating usually amounts to 20% of the energy costs. Tankless water heaters are built to last, with a lifespan of 20 years or more – twice as long as traditional tank water heaters.

Indirect water heaters

These types of water heating systems use your home's heating system to heat your water. Though indirect water heating systems are quite energy efficient -especially during winter - they must be connected to your home's pre-existing heating system. This makes installation more expensive than with other types of water heaters.

How do I know if I need a new water heater?

Rather than have your old water heater fail and potentially cause damage in your home, it's best to proactively replace it before it fails. This gives you the opportunity to research which type of water heater would be best for your family and budget. Checking your water heater regularly can save you from future headaches caused by water heater failure as there are often warning signs before complete malfunction. If you see any of the following, give Kimlin Energy a call so we can send someone over for a service call.

• Wet spots or puddles on the floor around or under the tank can be a tell-tale sign of leaks in your water tank.
• If you notice rusty water coming out of your taps when you use hot water, it's a sign that there may be corrosion in your water heater tank.
• If your water heater is making strange noises, such as rumbling or banging, it may have a buildup of sediment at the bottom of the tank. This happens gradually and can eventually harden, causing your water heater to not work as well.
• If your water isn't as hot as you want it to be, there might be mineral deposits forming and separating the burner from the heater.

A new water heater would be a gift that keeps on giving in the form of comfort and energy efficiency. Contact Kimlin Energy today to get started!