Get 10% off all repairs when you get a Maintenance Membership!
Conventional tank water heaters
These are the most common water heaters found in residential homes. They are comprised of a large storage tank and provide a generally sufficient amount of hot water for most homes. The power source can either be electric, gas, or propane and they are relatively inexpensive, compared to other options that are out there, as the majority of the time, they will be installed as "direct replacements". The drawbacks to this type of water heater are that there is a limited amount of hot water available at any given time, longer recovery time to get more hot water when you run out, and they take up more space in your home than other options that are available. They also have an 8–12-year life expectancy which is relatively short compared to other options that are available. However, with some proper maintenance and regular inspections, the life of these units can be extended. Ask us how we can help you care for your investment with our annual maintenance plan.
Tankless water heaters
Tankless water heaters or "Instantaneous water heaters" have been around for many years. There are continued advancements in the options available for this type of water heater as well. These water heaters take up less space in your home and can deliver an endless amount of hot water to you and your family when sized properly. Also, since they do not store hot water 24 hours a day, they do assist with less energy usage compared to the conventional storage tank water heaters. In a retrofit application, these tend to have a higher initial Investment due to changes that often need to be made to your gas piping and they often require relocating the water heater, adding electrical outlets, and require permitting when changing over from the traditional tank type water heaters. However, with proper maintenance, these water heaters can last between 20 and 30 years and provide reliable and consistent performance when you need it, making it one of the best options for heating water in your home. Ask us how we can help protect your investment with our annual maintenance plan.
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters
In the right application, the Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters are one of the best options for heating water in terms of energy conservation. These water heaters feature a traditional electric tank water heater with an added refrigeration unit on top. They can essentially heat your water "out of thin air". The refrigeration portion of this unit moves the ambient air in the installation area and removes the heat from this air to a coil that wraps around the storage tank to heat the water inside. It also features standard elements, such as what is found in traditional electric water heaters, to heat water when the ambient air method isn't sufficient for the demand.
They are also a more significant investment than the traditional tank water heaters, but are one of the only choices that have a greater return on the investment in terms of energy consumption. That being said, there are limitations to where these can be installed. They are a perfect choice for basements and utility rooms; even garages. Due to how they also condition the outside air and act as a dehumidifier, they are not recommended fir indoor use, as they will compete with your home's heating system and cause the indoor temperature to be affected in the installation area. These should also have annual inspections to keep the unit working as designed.
Water Heating Accessories
At Red Fox Plumbing, knowing what product is suited for certain applications is top priority. From automatic leak detection products to recirculation systems, we pride ourselves in taking the time to answer all of your questions related to what's available to meet your needs. If you have any type of problem with your current water heater, looking to upgrade, or want to protect your home from damages from failed water heating equipment, we are here to deliver all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
