When you are familiar with the advantages and drawbacks of the various types of water heaters available to Ann Arbor homeowners, choosing is easier. What are the most popular styles on the market, and their pros and cons? It is a good idea to consider energy efficiency, size, and other factors along with whether there may be available rebates on a model that will be suitable for your Southeast Michigan home.
Most Popular Water Heater Styles in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Traditional stand-up water heaters. This type has been around for decades and is popular among homeowners because of its affordability. Anyone who has this kind of water heater knows it is a large tank that requires substantial space. The tanks store about 30 to 50 gallons of water that is pre-heated, so you have hot water for showering, laundry, dishes, etc. The lifespan of a traditional water heater is about 10 to 15 years.
What are the cons? Constant heating of the tank increases energy costs. Considering the tank holds 30 to 50 gallons, it is inconvenient to run out of hot water when the members of your family shower or you run the washing machine or dishwasher simultaneously leaving everyone to wait for the water to heat up again.
Learn more about traditional water heaters.
Hybrid & heat pump water heaters. Equipped with multiple settings, the newest in water heaters are popular with homeowners due to the considerable energy savings; in fact, you can save as much as 60% on your monthly water bill. Additionally, you may be eligible for rebates or tax incentives by installing this eco-friendly water heater.
What are the cons? To operate correctly, hybrid water heaters must be located in an area that maintains a temperature of 40 to 90 degrees consistently due to the fact they extract hot air from their surroundings. Most Ann Arbor homeowners know that while temperatures in summer months can soar to uncomfortable levels, winter temperatures can get downright frigid. A hybrid or heat pump water heater may not be ideal given the extreme temperature fluctuations in our area.
While hybrid water heaters do offer attractive tax incentives and energy savings, in most cases homeowners choose tankless and traditional models in Southeast Michigan. This energy efficiency calculator can help you decide which model would save you most following installation.
Learn more about heat pump water heaters.
Tankless water heaters require far less space and deliver hot water “on demand” so you never worry about running out of hot water. Tankless heaters heat the water when you need it, so you enjoy not only an unlimited supply but lower monthly utility costs as well. This type of water heater can last for 20 or more years depending on the model you choose.
The cons? The only drawback to a tankless heater is the purchase price and cost to install. Because of the installation time required or the necessity to retrofit, upfront costs are higher. If you live in SE Michigan and are considering a tankless water heater, discuss it with an experienced plumbing contractor before purchasing to ensure this type of water heater is compatible with your home’s electrical and plumbing systems.
Learn more about the advantages of a tankless water heater.
Regardless of whether you choose a traditional, tankless, or hybrid water heater, we advise homeowners to discuss the options with one of our expert Ann Arbor plumbing contractors to make certain the model you are considering is compatible with your electrical and plumbing systems.
