When people think about a water heater, most imagine a hot water gas heater. But this is only one type of heaters currently available on the market. Modern technology offers other varieties such as solar, electric and instant heaters. How does a gas heater stand against the modern heaters? Are there any serious reasons for you to switch to a different type of heater, or is gas still the best?

Other types of water heaters

Hot water gas heater is not your only option. There are several other heaters, you can use where gas supply is not readily available. For example electric water heater is in high demand and many people prefer electric to gas. However, gas water heaters are still the most popular and majority of people who buy heaters, buy gas water heaters.

Instant hot water heaters

A recent invention is a tankless water heater. This type of heater brings you hot water the moment you turn the tap on. As the name suggests tankless heaters have no storage tank for water, they heat it as you use it. They are also called instant heaters. This is very much appreciated by many people more…

Solar technologies use the sun’s energy and light to provide heat , light, hot water, electricity, and even cooling, for homes, businesses and industry.

Photovoltaic solar cells which directly convert sunlight in to electricity, are made up of semiconducting materials. The simplest cells power watches and calculators and the like, while more complex systems can light houses and provide power to the electric grid.

Building designed for passive solar and daylighting incorporate design features such as large south- facing windows and building materials that absorb and slowly release the sun’s heat. No mechanical means are employed in passive solar heating. Incorporating passive solar designs can reduce heating bills as much as 50 per cent. Passive solar designs can also include natural ventilation for cooling.

Concentrating solar power technologies use reflective materials such as mirrors to concentrate the sun’s energy. This concentrated heat energy is then converted in to electricity.

Solar hot water heaters use the sun to heat either water or a heat transfer fluid in collectors. A typical system will reduce the need for conventional water heating by about two thirds. High temperature solar water heaters can provide energy- efficient water and more…

“I shave in cold water,” a friend of mine told me recently.

“Really, why?” I asked.

With a straight face, he told me because he was trying to cut down on how much carbon he contributed to the atmosphere. Hot water heaters are notorious for taking a substantial amount of energy, most of that coming in the form of electricity from coal-fired generating plants, or natural gas.

But for those of us who don’t want to wake up with a face full of cold water every morning. There is another option. In a world where too often we are asked to choose between economics and the environment, solar water heaters give us the best of both worlds - something that provides relief in both areas.

Solar water heaters are not new, at least in technological terms. They have been appearing on homes for more than two decades. However, with the recent emphasis on green technologies, and the skyrocketing cost of energy, it is possible they are getting a second look by people who shrugged them off in recent years. And, given the fact that the units have been in existence for a while, their value has been well documented.

Yes, the initial cost of a more…

Hot Water Heaters have been around since their invention in the 1930s and are found in nearly every home that has a working water supply. They are uncomplicated devices, consisting primarily of a water storage tank and a means of heating the water within it. Naturally, there are also temperature control mechanisms, as well as inlet and outlet lines and important safety devices.

Water heaters come in three different varieties: electric, gas, and solar. Electric and gas water heaters rely on an external source of energy, i.e. electricity or gas, to heat the water. Solar water heaters, on the other hand, only rely on upon exposure to the sun’s radiant energy to heat water. With the cost of man made energy rising continuously and in short supply, solar water heaters have become a feasible alternative. Another alternative water heater, that uses less energy than conventional heaters, is on-demand, or point-of use water heaters. These are also known as tankless water heaters. Whatever their design may be, water heaters must be able to supply enough hot water to meet the household or business hot water need.

The outside, or shell, of a hot water heater consists of a non-corrosive metal shell and more…

Are you considering a new water heater? Maybe you want to replace your existing water heater with a gas or electrical water heater. There are several options you can have; the standard water heaters or a tankless system. Another option is a solar water heating system. Not only is it the most efficient of the options available to you but solar water heaters are cost-effective and are an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional methods of producing domestic hot water. If you made energy saving improvements to your home located in the United States in 2007 or are making them in 2008 you may qualify for the residential energy efficient property credit.

In 2005, the United States government enacted the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) which gave homeowners a 30% Federal tax credit on all solar systems installed between January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007. Initially scheduled to expire at the end of 2007, the tax credits have been extended to December, 31 2008. For residential installations, there is a $2,000 cap.

A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax more…

Solar water heaters give radiant heat without the normal energy that would be required to heat the water, and without the accompanying need to burn fossil fuels or otherwise put contaminants into the air, water, or land. The setup is fairly straightforward and easy to understand, too.

There are two main kinds of solar water heaters; active and passive.

Active solar water heaters are generally used with solar panels that drive energy into heating the water; much like electricity and gas is used to do the same thing for conventional water heaters. Active heaters allow for the accumulation of hot water in a storage tank, which can be used in the same ways that water from a conventional water heater tank can be; bathing, washing clothes or dishes, and the like.

Active heaters do have a downside. In areas of the country that have periods of time when there are storms and other severe weather that prevent the operation of the solar panels, there must be an alternate means of heating the water. This is normally supplied by electricity. In northern climes, this can be a bother. Still, in a 12-month period, the costs of heating the water will still be low enough more…

Sunlight - solar energy - can be used to generate electricity, provide hot water, and to heat, cool, and light buildings.

A typical solar system will reduce the need for conventional water heating by about two-thirds. Often the plumbing from a solar heater connects to a houses existing water heater, which stays inactive as long as the water coming in is hot or hotter than the temperature setting on the indoor water heater. When it falls below this temperature, the homes water heater can kick in to make up the difference. Incorporating passive solar designs can reduce heating bills by as much as 50 percent. High-temperature solar water heaters can provide energy-efficient hot water and hot water heat for large commercial and industrial facilities.

Many large commercial buildings can use solar collectors to provide more than just hot water. Solar process heating systems can be used to heat these buildings. A solar ventilation system can be used in cold climates to preheat air as it enters a building. And the heat from a solar collector can even be used to provide energy for cooling a building. The Co-operative Insurance Building in Manchester has the largest commercial solar system more…

A single tank solar water heating system combines solar preheated water and backup heating into one tack, which is in contrast to a typical two tank systems which will separate these functions. In either case solar water heating systems can save 55% to 85% on your water heating costs. Since water heating is the second largest energy guzzler in your home this can mean some serious savings in the future. Most single tank solar water heaters feature a 240 watt electric heating element in the top half of the tank. This element heats the water in the upper half of the tank while the water in the lower half is heated by the solar collectors. If the environmental impact of you energy choices is important to a single tank system can offer impressive savings. Here is a brief description of shrinking your green house gas emissions when it comes to heating your water. Of water heating appliances tank system water heaters fueled with natural gas can create some of the greatest carbon dioxide emissions – actually at ton or more of CO2 per year. Replacing a gas fired tank style heater with a tankless gas water heater can cut more…