If you’re a homeowner in the Glenview, IL area, chances are you know what a traditional tank water heater is. You may also have heard of a tankless water heater, which serves as a viable alternative to tank models by heating the water up instantly as it passes through the pipes. But between these two models lies a pair of other options: hybrid water heaters which combine the features of both. If you’re in the market for a new water heating system, you may want to consider a hybrid water heater, since they offer a number of advantages. But what is a hybrid water heater? We’ve broken down the two basic types below.
Traditional Hybrid Water Heaters
These are essentially tankless water heaters, which use specialized coils to heat the water as it passes through your pipes. That allows hot water to arrive more quickly to your tap as well as preventing the problems of heaters running out of hot water. The trouble with tankless models is that they can often only support one or two outlets at a time. The addition of a small tank of preheated water helps mitigats that, as well as eliminating any delays in getting hot water to you.
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters
This model is a little more common than the other type. It uses a standard tank water heater, but eschews the traditional burners in favor of an air-source heat pump to warm up the water for you. Burners are usually attached for days that are too cold for the heat pump to work, but in general this acts as a more cost-efficient way of keeping your water hot.
Both system enjoy distinct advantages and the right one for you depends on the circumstances in your home. Call Reliance Plumbing today to discuss your options!