The P. Gagnon & Son Blog

What Are The Different Types Of Water Heaters?

Trust P. Gagnon & Son with your water heater installation and service!

water heater service maine The average life expectancy of a conventional storage-tank water heater is between 10 and 12 years. If your water heater is approaching or is at that age, now is the time to begin planning for its successor.

P. Gagnon & Son can handle all your water heater needs, with expert water heaterinstallation, maintenance, and repairs. Our affordable service plans also help protect your new water heater and help to shield you from big repair bills.

Let’s run through the three main types of water heaters on the market.

Storage tank water heaters

A regular tank water heater stores and heats large quantities 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.

If you’re looking to save money on your energy bill, replacing your old tank water heater with a new one is a great option. Tank water heaters are affordably priced and easy to install, making them a popular choice among homeowners.

Tankless water heaters

A standard tank water heater stores all the hot water your home has at any given time. It has to regularly heat and reheat the water throughout the day and night so that you have hot water whenever you need it.

A tankless water heater only heats water when you need it, as opposed to continuously heating an entire tank of water. This provides endless hot water without the worry of how much is in the tank.

A tankless water heater has the potential to lower your water heating energy costs by up to 40%. Since Water heating typically accounts for about 20% of your total energy bill, you could see some significant savings!

Tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of 20 years or more, twice as long as traditional tank water heaters.

Indirect water heaters

These types of systems heat your water using your home’s heating system.

Indirect water heating systems are very energy efficient, especially during the heating season. However, they need to be connected to your home’s heating system. This makes installation more expensive than conventional and tankless water heaters.

How to tell if you need a new water heater

The best time for water heater replacement is when you’re not forced into it by a water heater failure. This gives you time to consider your options and be confident in your choice of a new water heater.

Water heater failure doesn’t come out of nowhere. There are almost always telltale signs leading up to it, which is why you should check your water heater regularly. If you see any of the following, give P. Gagnon & Son a call so we can send someone over for repair service:

  • If you notice puddles or wet spots on your floor, it’s possible that there is a leak in your tank.
  • Rusty water coming from your faucets indicates that there is corrosion in your water heater tank.
  • Strange noises coming from your water heater, such as rumbling or banging, may mean that there is sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. This can happen over time and may eventually harden, causing problems with your water heater.
  • If the water never gets hot enough, it might be a sign that there are mineral deposits forming and separating the burner from the heater.

P. Gagnon & Son is here to help you with all your water heating needs. Get a FREE estimate for your new water heater!