Tank water heaters are affordable and reliable, providing hot water to millions of homes and businesses. Also called storage water heaters, these models are available in standard and hybrid styles. Simpson Plumbing installs and repairs both water heater styles.
We offer trusted brands such as Bradford White and Rheem. These manufacturers offer outstanding value, with high-quality materials and workmanship. Warranties back up every model we sell.
How Standard Tank Water Heaters Work
When you turn on a hot-water faucet, heated water travels from the top of the tank to the tap. Water enters the storage tank from the bottom before it’s warmed. The appliances may be powered by electricity or gas.
Tank water heaters are always on, keeping a full supply of water hot. Because of this, a small amount of standby energy is lost. Tanks with more insulation minimize this loss.
The water temperature can be set to your preference. Many experts recommend a setting of no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding accidents.
Hybrid Water Heaters
Hybrid heat pump water heaters are a newer type of unit. These heaters use air pump technology to warm water. They work similarly to air pumps used for heating and cooling homes, drawing in heat from the surrounding air before using it to heat the water.
A compressor raises the air temperature before using it to heat water. If the outside air is too cold for the compressor to work efficiently, a backup system takes over. These models are called hybrid systems because they use two different methods to operate. Hybrid heat pump water heaters use less energy than standard heaters.
Choosing the Right Size Storage Capacity
A small tank, about 40-60 gallons, is about the right capacity for a two-person household. Larger tanks are also available.
Buying the smallest unit that will work for your family saves energy. It may be tempting to go for a unit with a larger tank, but a higher storage capacity requires more power to maintain. This difference in energy use adds up over the life of the appliance.
Simpson Plumbing can help you choose the right capacity based on your family’s size and needs. We’ll consider the number of people in your household and your preferred fuel type to recommend the best heater for your home.