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Storage Tank Hot Water Heater Information Center

1. Conventional Water Heaters

2. Indirect-Fired Water Heaters

3. Point Of Use Water Heaters

Tankless Water Heater Information Center

Tankless Water Heaters FAQ

Gas-Fired Tankless Heaters

Electric Tankless Heaters

3 Types Of Hot Water Heaters

There are many different brands of hot water heaters currently available on the market. Some are gas-fired (Natural gas and/or Liquid Propane - LP), some are electrically heated, and some are oil-fired. Some are even 'indirectly-heated', using heat from a boiler system or other large heat source. At JD Supply, we classify all these different hot water heaters into 3 broad categories:

1. Conventional Hot Water Heater / Storage Tanks

Conventional Storage Hot Water Heaters are currently the most commonly used hot water heaters in most N. American homes and businesses. The conventional hot water heater / storage tank is a complete water heating and storage system that holds a reservoir of hot water at a pre-set temperature in an insulated storage tank.

When you turn on a hot water faucet, hot water flows from the storage tank which is then replenished with cold water. The water heater (gas-fired or electric heating element) is then triggered by a thermostat, and after a 'recovery time' the entire hot water reservoir is re-heated to its pre-set operating temperature.
More About Conventional Hot Water Heater / Storage Tanks

'Point Of Use' mini-tank heaters are also available to supply electrically heated hot water to sinks or other appliances that may be remote from your 'central' hot water system.
More About 'Point Of Use' Mini Storage Water Heaters

2. Tankless Hot Water Heaters ('On-Demand' or 'Instant' Hot Water Heaters)

2. Tankless Water Heaters ('On-Demand' or 'Instant' Water Heaters) are widely used outside of N. America, and (as global energy costs rise and Americans become more environmentally aware) are now rapidly penetrating the American marketplace.

Just like conventional storage tank water heaters, 'Central' tankless water heating systems can provide sufficient hot water for an entire residence, but they usually do not provide truly 'instant' hot water at the faucet, since cool water in the pipe between the heater and faucet has to be run off first.

Both gas-fired tankless heaters and electric powered tankless heaters may be used to supply central hot water systems. Smaller 'Point Of Use' electric tankless heating systems are also available - to provide truly 'instant' hot water in any given location.

Unlike storage water heaters, tankless hot water heaters do not store a reservoir of hot water. Instead, they supply hot water that is 'instantly' heated only when demanded at the hot water faucet. This makes tankless water heaters much more efficient than conventional water heater / storage tanks. Tankless hot water heaters also provide several other advantages over conventional hot water heater /storage tank systems.
More About Tankless Hot Water Heaters
Tankless Hot Water Heater Advantages
Tankless Hot Water Heaters FAQ
Bosch Aquastar Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heaters
Bosch PowerStar Electric Tankless Water Heaters

3. Indirect-Fired Hot Water Heater / Storage Tanks

3. Indirect-Fired Hot Water Heaters are similar to the conventional 'central' hot water / heater storage tanks - except for the fact that they lack an integrated heater. Instead, heated water or steam is supplied to an insulated tank from a boiler system or other heat source. The hot water or steam circulates through sealed piping within the storage tank, allowing heat exchange with the service water reservoir.

Residential indirect-fired water heaters have been used for decades in European homes, deriving heat from a wood-burning heater or coal fireplace. Indirect-fired water heaters are often the best choice in industrial, institutional, or commercial applications, heated by a boiler or any other available major heat source. In many industrial applications, waste heat may be recovered to large hot water systems by using heat-exchanging indirect water heaters.
More About Indirect-Fired Hot Water Heater Storage Tanks

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