Before the water heater you are using now breaks down, it would really help if you have a good idea about replacement options. That is, if you want to avoid having to rush to replace it. Water heaters are the second largest energy consumers in most homes. This is why it is worth properly choosing the right water heater for you. These are just some of the types available in the market:

1. Gas Water Heaters

Gas water heaters are the current standard for most areas. Tanks are usually installed in any new construction and come in different capacities. This depends upon usage requirements and the size of the structure.

2. Recirculating Line for Gas Water Heaters

If you are tired of waiting for the water to get hot at the other end of your house, you should know that recirculating lines for gas water heaters sends hot water to your farthest fixtures via a high efficiency pump connected to a specially installed piping system. If you want to have hot water in a flash, another option is the retrofit system, which can be applied to existing homes.

3. Solar Water Heaters

Photovoltaic solar panels harness the sun's energy in order to heat water. This environmentally-friendly option reduces utility costs and pollution. The government incentives and rebates you might receive if you use this system can significantly reduce the costs of installation.

4. Tankless Water Heaters

In tankless water heaters, water passes through a heat exchanger, which then creates hot water "on demand". Since water is only heated when it runs through the exchanger, this option is more energy-efficient than tank water heaters. With the high cost of steel, along with government anti-pollution standards and safety regulations, traditional tank water heaters have grown increasingly expensive, making tankless water heaters a competitive alternative.

5. Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters are two to three times more efficient than conventional electric storage water heaters. One significant difference is that they use refrigerant fluid and compressors instead of electric resistance. Heat pump water heaters are available with built-in storage tanks. There are also some heat pump water heaters which are add-ons to existing hot water tanks and often do not require additional plumbing or penetrations into walls to replace storage water heaters. The best energy and cost savings are accomplished when they are used in warm climates. The initial extra cost over a storage water heater is usually regained in the first 2-5 years of use.

6. Storage Tank Water Heaters

This is the most common type available in the market but it may not be the most efficient. Storage tank water heaters hold water in a tank and keep it. When you compare these models with their Energy Factor (EF) value, which is commonly listed on the energy label, a higher EF value usually means that the water heater is more efficient. After which, you should look for the insulation R-value of 24 which also means more efficiency and a lower operation cost. If an existing water heater is warm to the touch, adding a 15-dollar insulation blanket on the tank can save up to 45 percent of the heat loss and up to nine percent in water-heating costs. They range in size up to 80 gallons.