| When money is tight, it is in the best interests of | | | | heating elements are located right within the pipes |
| home owners to do all the homework and | | | | and come in direct contact with the water, |
| research that they can when it comes to | | | | heating it nearly instantly. There is usually no delay |
| selecting any major appliance addition to their | | | | when hot water is needed, and most systems |
| house, including a new home water heating | | | | pump out hot water at a rate of between two |
| system. There are several different options | | | | and five gallons a minute: more than enough for |
| available on the market: here's a little info about | | | | most showers. |
| some of the most popular. | | | | -- Solar water heating systems |
| -- Traditional storage water heaters | | | | Although solar water heating technology is an ideal |
| Most homes are serviced by traditional 40-50 | | | | green solution for hot water needs, it still lacks |
| gallon capacity tank-style storage water heaters. | | | | the efficiency of the other two methods and |
| Today's models are extremely energy-efficient | | | | special exterior equipment is required. Solar roof |
| and use 10% less electricity or gas than their | | | | panels trap the energy from the sun and heat |
| older counterparts. There are also models available | | | | water that is naturally circulated into and through |
| that use propane if that is a more desirable option | | | | a collector. The heated water is stored in a |
| than electric or gas. These are usually the most | | | | heavily insulated tank that is similar to conventional |
| affordable water heaters, but their one main | | | | hot water tanks, and it is kept there until it is |
| disadvantage is that they can run out of hot | | | | needed. |
| water. | | | | Make sure to consult with reputable water heater |
| -- Tankless water heating systems | | | | experts in your area to see what options might |
| As its name implies, a tankless water heating | | | | be best to suit both your climate and lifestyle. |
| system does not use water storage; rather, its | | | | |