When looking for a water heater, you’ll want an energy-efficient unit that’ll provide sufficient hot water for your household. With the constant advancement in water heater technology, choosing the perfect heater for your needs can be challenging.
Most homeowners use a conventional water heater in their homes. It has been on the market for years and is a favorite to many. Read on to learn more about conventional heaters.
What’s A Conventional Water Heater?
Also known as storage tank water heaters, this type of water heaters is popular on the market. Just as their name puts it, they have an insulated storage tank where they store hot water until when it’s needed. There are two types of storage tank water heaters; the conventional gas water heater and the conventional electric water heater.
The Principle Of Operation Of The Conventional Water Heater
Generally, every conventional storage water heater has a specific amount of water that it heats up and stores before sending it through your home. Whether you have an electric or gas conventional heater, they all use the same principle to function. The tank has pipes that bring cold water into the tank and hot water out.
Electric conventional heaters consist of two heating elements, whereas the gas models only have a single pipe. When cold water enters the tank, the heater heats it by either the tank’s electric elements or a gas flame located below the storage tank.
The tank can regulate and maintain the water temperature with the help of an adjustable thermostat. The tank also has a pressure-relief valve that helps prevent excessive build-up of pressure on the inside.
When you turn on your faucet or water appliance, the tank pumps hot water out through your home’s hot-water supply pipes. When the water level starts to drop in the tank, cold water enters the storage tank automatically, and the entire process starts all over again.
Features Of Conventional Water Heaters
When looking at the tankless water heater vs conventional, there’s a big difference that separates the two. Unlike tankless water heaters, storage tank water heaters store hot water ready for you to use when the need arises. The tank contains two valves, the pressure control and the temperature control valve.
It uses both the valves to moderate the temperature and pressure levels inside the tank. Manufacturers cover storage tanks with an insulating material to ensure that the heated water remains hot until it’s needed.
It has a dip tube located at the top of the tank through which water enters the heater and flows to the bottom where the heater heats it. The shut-off valve stops the flow of cold water into the heater. It’s located on the outer part of the tank, above the unit.
A conventional storage water heater also has a drain valve found at the bottom part of the tank’s exterior side. Through this valve, you can empty the tank, remove sediments and even relocate the tank.
The heater uses a heat-out pipe to supply hot water to your water appliances and faucets. Finally, conventional heaters have a sacrificial anode rod that helps retard corrosion. It has a steel core and is made of aluminum. Some anode rods are also made of magnesium.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Storage Tank Water Heaters
Just like any other home appliance, using storage tank water heaters comes with its pros and cons. Although conventional heaters might be the current status quo, their time is limited considering their numerous drawbacks that tankless water heaters can address.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of storage tank water heaters that can help you make your purchasing decision.
Advantages of storage water heaters
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Inexpensive to purchase and install
- Easy to repair and maintain
Disadvantages Of Storage Water Heaters
Although the conventional water heater installation cost is relatively cheap compared to tankless water heaters, you’ll spend more in the long run. This is because storage water heaters need regular maintenance services to function effectively. You must drain, flush them and remove sediments yearly. Other cons of using this type of water heaters include:
- Offer limited hot water supply
- Waste up to 15% of energy due to radiant heat loss
- Water heater tank leaks
- Have a shorter lifespan ranging from 10 to 15 years
- Require a lot of space for installation
Who Is The Storage Tank Water Heater Suitable For?
If your pocket can accommodate the higher initial cost of purchasing and installing a tankless water heater, then you’ll be better off choosing it since you’ll save more money in the long run. However, if you’re on a fixed budget, conventional storage water heaters offer you a more convenient option.
This is because they’re cost-effective in most instances, up-front. Additionally, the advancement in water heater technology has made them eco-friendly.
Conventional heaters are specially built to store hot water and release it whenever you need to use it. If you’d like to enjoy the convenience of running more than one water appliance simultaneously, storage tank water heaters are the ideal heaters for you.
Installation Of Water Heaters By Hou Water Heater Specialists
Looking for world-class conventional water heater installation in Houston? Hou Water Heaters Company has got your back. Our company is fully licensed and certified to offer reliable water heater installation services. Some of the advantages of choosing us include:
- Same-day installation services
- Honest, upfront pricing
- Highly skilled and certified plumbers
- 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
- Professional installation services
As a trusted plumbing company, we go above and beyond to provide top-class water heater services at competitive rates. Our plumbers will make the entire installation process as stress-free as possible. With our exceptional services, you can rest assured of getting a water heater that best suits your budget and needs.
We take great pride in offering the best conventional electric hot water heater. Contact us today for outstanding services.