RESIDENTIAL WATER HEATING

Choosing an efficient water heater can challenging, whether replacing a water heater on an existing home or designing a new home. Below, we cut to the chase and offer some recommendations. Scroll down to blue tabs for more specific info on water heaters.

1.  New Construction  

  • If going all-electric a heat pump water heater is probably the best fit.

  • An electric on-demand water heater  may make sense if space for mechanical area is limited or demand for hot water is high.

  • If home will have intermittent periods of high demand but maximum efficiency is desired, then a combination system with a heat pump water heater and a small on-demand electric as a booster for periods of high demand.

  •  If no solar, a heat pump water heater may still be good choice; or natural gas/propane is preferred, then an on on-demand gas is the way to go.

2. Existing Homes/Small Buildings

Generally when plumbers are replacing existing water heaters on older homes they will recommend the least efficient, lowest cost water heaters.  The tables below will help you determine the most efficient options, starting with ID of your existing one:

 

 

Comparison table of water heater types and performances, including electric, heat pump, natural gas, and propane options. The table provides details on water heater fuel type and tank size, performance measures like efficiency and first-hour output, and recommendations for replacement choices. Related notes highlight advantages of heat pump water heaters and the inefficiency of oversized tanks.