Water Heater Type By Heat Source |
Water Heater Advantages |
Water Heater Disadvantages |
Gas-Fired Water Heaters
The most convenient and cost-effective choice for most residential and small-scale commercial water heating applications. |
Low Cost Of Operation
Requires Minimal Maintenance
Plentiful Gas Supply In Municipal Areas
Quiet Operation
Hot Water Heating Independent Of Space Heating System |
Heats Water Slower Than Oil
Limited Choice Of Gas Suppliers
Gas May Unavailable In Your Area
Requires Ventilation |
Electric Powered Water Heaters
Clean, Convenient and Reliable, but usually more expensive to run than gas water heaters in most residential applications. |
Easily Installed When Oil/Gas Unavailable
Plentiful Electric Supply
Requires Minimal Maintenance
Does Not Require Ventilation
Low Cost Of Installation
Quiet Operation
Hot Water Heating Independent Of Space Heating System |
High Operating Costs (Expensive Electricity)
Slower Than Oil Or Gas For Heating Hot Water |
Oil-Fired Water Heaters
May be your only choice in some areas. |
Hot Water Is Heated Quickly
Can Be Used When Natural Gas Is Unavailable
Hot Water Heating Independent Of Space Heating System |
Highest Installation Cost
Oil Delivery Required
Oil Prices Fluctuate Often
Can Become Dirty & Difficult To Maintain
Oil Leak / Environmental Contamination Risk
Occasional Odors
Electricity To Run Oil Burner Components Increases Operational Costs |
Indirect-Fired Water Heaters
Your most cost-effective choice for many large industrial or commercial applications, or even in some residential applications already using a boiler-driven space-heating system. |
Produces Ample Hot Water
Requires Minimal Maintenance
(Boiler / Heat Source Must Be Maintained)
Can Be Located In An Unvented Area
(Remote From The Boiler )
Relatively Low Cost Of Operation |
Can Be Expensive To Install
Reduced Hot Water Availability During The Heating Season
Hot Water Heating Is Dependent On Boiler / Space Heating System
Must Run Boiler During Non-Heating Season |
