Types Of Water Heaters Conventional Water Heater Conventional water heaters come in a variety of capacities by the gallon and store water in its tank. Either electric or gas energy is required to maintain the water at a set warm temperature until a faucet is turned on and water is pulled through the pipe. A conventional electric or gas water heater should have a lifespan of around 11 years. Newer conventional water heaters are more energy efficient than the older models that might somehow be in service. A high-efficiency model can reduce water heating bills by about 7 percent! Tankless Water Heater A tankless water heater is generally considered more energy efficient because water is heated on an “as needed” basis. After a tap is turned on, the heater fires up and supplies continuous hot water. Also, a tankless water heater often requires less space and can hang on a wall. It might, however, require larger gas lines, special venting, and/or additional electric circuits, which adds to the upfront costs. It is important to keep in mind that a tankless water heater has a life expectancy of 15-20 years (4-9 years more than a traditional water heater) and may reduce water heating bills by as much as 30 percent. Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater A hybrid water heater combines conventional tank storage with a heat pump. The heat pump actually extracts heat from the air and uses it to assist in the heating of the water. A hybrid water heater will utilize existing water and electrical connections, and can bring the costs of heating your water by almost 60 percent! Solar Water Heater Systems Solar water heater systems harness the sun’s energy to generate hot water for your home. Solar water heaters can be either passive or active: Passive solar water heating systems are normally less costly than active systems, but they are not as efficient. However, passive systems can be more reliable and fulfill a longer lifespan. Active solar water heating systems utilize pumps and controls to circulate water into the home. Most of the solar water heating systems available require a storage tank with proper insulation and a backup system for cloudy days and high water demand.