Resources

At HeaterForWater.com, we’re dedicated to helping you make the most informed decisions when it comes to water heaters. Whether you’re looking for energy-efficient options, maintenance tips, or the latest innovations, our resources page has you covered.

We’ve spent years researching and testing various water heaters to bring you reliable insights and recommendations. From tankless to traditional systems, we dive deep into the details to ensure you get the best advice for your specific needs.

Here’s a collection of resources that I have personally checked and follow myself to guide you on your journey:

Water Heater Fundamentals

Resources On HeaterForWater.com

Explore our in-depth guides and expert insights to help you choose, install, and maintain the right water heater for your needs.

• Different Types of Tankless Water Heaters: Discover the various types of tankless water heaters available, how they work, and which one is best suited for your home.
• How Tankless Water Heaters Work: Get a clear explanation of the technology behind tankless geysers and how they provide endless hot water on demand.
• Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons: Learn about the benefits and potential downsides of switching to a tankless system before making an investment.
• Tankless vs. Tank Water Heater: Understand how these two water heating systems compare in terms of performance, energy use, and long-term savings.
• Electric vs. Gas Tankless Water Heater: Not sure whether to go with electric or gas? This guide breaks down efficiency, costs, and installation factors to help you decide.
• Water Heater BTU Calculator: Determine the right BTU rating for your tankless water heater to ensure optimal performance and efficiency based on your household’s hot water needs.
• Condensing vs. Non-Condensing Gas Tankless Heater: Compare these two types of gas tankless water heaters, their efficiency levels, venting requirements, and overall cost-effectiveness to find the best fit for your home.
• Flush, Descale, and Clean a Tankless Water Heater: Learn the essential steps to properly maintain your tankless water heater, prevent mineral buildup, and extend its lifespan with regular flushing and descaling.
• Install a Tankless Water Heater: A step-by-step guide on installing a tankless water heater, including necessary tools, safety precautions, and key considerations for a successful setup.
• Tankless Heater Sizing: For proper sizing, consider your household’s peak water usage and desired temperature rise. Choosing the right capacity ensures efficiency and prevents running out of hot water.
• Electrical Requirements: Find detailed information about voltage, amperage, wattage, wiring, and panel capacity of tankless water heaters.
• Rebates and Tax Credits: Explore various rebates and tax credits available to install a tankless water heater at your home. Check if you’re eligible and get a step-by-step guide to claiming all the benefits.

[More Coming Soon, Stay Updated!]

Tools And Calculators

• As promised, here is our first tool: the Water Heater BTU calculator! Simply enter the water flow rate, inlet and outlet temperatures to find out the ideal energy required to raise the required temperature instantly.
• Propane Usage Calculator: Easily calculate the propane usage per hour, day, month, and year, and involved costs, according to the BTU rating, operating hours, and cost of propane.
• Electricity Consumption Calculator: Learn how much electricity electric tankless water heaters use, what affects their energy consumption, and how they impact your utility bills.

We are developing more tools and soon publish them on HeaterForWater.com. Let’s have a sneak peek!

• Size/ capacity calculator for water heater (electric tankless and other variants)
• Tankless water heater GPM calculator​
• Cost calculators for propane (gas) vs electric

We also recommend the following tools and calculators available online:

• Water Heating Calculator: It helps estimate the power required to raise water temperature and the time needed for the process. Additionally, it provides insights into heat capacity, temperature limits, and how they relate to BTU (British Thermal Unit) ratings of water heaters.
• Residential Water Heater Cost Calculator: It estimates and compares the annual and long-term expenses of heating water based on fuel type, daily usage, temperature rise, and efficiency ratings. Users can adjust key values—such as energy costs and efficiency factors—to compare different heating methods, from gas and propane to electric and heat pump water heaters. It provides a clear breakdown of costs to help make informed energy decisions.
• Energy Usage Calculator: It estimates daily, monthly, and yearly electricity consumption based on average wattage. You can input your specific heater’s wattage, usage hours, and local energy rate to calculate exact costs. Whether determining efficiency or comparing energy expenses, this tool helps make informed decisions about electricity consumption and cost management.
• Water Heater Electricity Usage Calculator: It helps estimate energy consumption and costs based on wattage, daily usage, and electricity rates. This water heater calculator allows users to input their heater’s power rating and operating hours to determine expenses over different time spans. Whether comparing tank and tankless models or optimizing energy efficiency, this tool provides valuable insights for managing electricity costs.

Research Papers And Insights

Out of the thousands of research papers by scientists and engineers, here are some of the best ones that we admire and follow.

• Preliminary Modeling, Testing, and Analysis of a Gas Tankless Water Heater: This research paper by J. Burch, M. Hoeschele, D. Springer, and A. Rudd investigates the efficiency of gas tankless water heaters. The study uses a one-node thermal model that incorporates heat exchanger mass to assess burner efficiency, thermal capacitance, and heat loss. The results show that real-world efficiency (71%) is lower than the predicted value (81%) due to varying usage patterns. The paper also highlights how adding a small tank to the system can solve issues like oscillations and hot water delays. Read full paper here.
• Actual Savings and Performance of Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters: This paper shows that tankless water heaters (TWHs) can perform well in Northern Midwest climates, offering energy savings of around 37% compared to traditional storage water heaters (StWHs), without changing hot water usage. The average energy savings were about 6,000 kBtu per home annually. However, the high upfront cost of TWHs, coupled with low natural gas prices, results in long payback periods (20-40 years) without significant rebates, limiting their widespread adoption. (LINK)
• Domestic Water Heating and Energy Consumption: This study examines domestic water heating in Canada, where it constitutes 22% of household energy consumption. It highlights a shift toward natural gas geysers in new homes, despite limited gas availability. The review looks at different water heater types and the factors influencing their selection, including household characteristics and appliance efficiency. It also evaluates energy consumption models like WATSIM, TANK, and WHAM, and analyzes the Residential End-Use Model (REUM), noting that energy needs vary by fuel type and household factors. Read it here.
• An innovative control system of a hybrid tankless water heaters using LabVIEW: R. F. Garcia and A. Chua developed an advanced control system for a hybrid tankless water heater, optimizing energy efficiency using LabVIEW. Their design integrates a gas-fired primary heater with an electric secondary heater, managed by a PID controller that dynamically adjusts to water flow and temperature changes. This hybrid approach reduces power consumption by approximately 30%, particularly during low water demand, while preventing temperature overshoots. Simulation results confirm the system’s effectiveness in maintaining desired temperatures with improved efficiency. Here is the research paper.
• Performance improvement of the electric water heater by a waste heat recovery method with the thermoelectric effect: Zhihao Zhang, Ji Zhang, Han Yuan, Ge Chen, and Ning Mei propose a waste heat recovery method using the thermoelectric effect to enhance electric water heater efficiency. Their system redistributes excess heat from high-temperature zones, reducing energy loss. Experimental results show an improved heating COP of 1.2–2.3 and energy efficiency exceeding 75%. The study highlights its potential to lower power consumption and improve thermal insulation without major structural changes. More details here.

Govt. Guidelines For Water Heaters In Different Countries

We adhere to regulations from global governmental organizations to uphold best practices. Users should be aware of the relevant guidelines specific to their country.

• United States: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) establishes energy conservation standards for residential water heaters. In April 2024, the DOE finalized new efficiency standards requiring common-sized electric geysers to incorporate heat pump technology, aiming to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. These standards are set to take effect in 2029.
• United Kingdom: The UK emphasizes safety and efficiency in water heating systems. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidelines to prevent Legionella bacteria growth, recommending that hot water storage cylinders store water at 60°C or higher and distribute it at a minimum of 50°C to ensure safety.
• Australia: The Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) regulate electric water heaters. The standards mandate Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for electric storage heaters with a delivery up to 630 liters. However, these products are not required to display an Energy Rating Label.
• Canada: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) oversees energy efficiency regulations for water heaters. In July 2022, NRCan proposed amendments to align household geysers with U.S. energy efficiency and testing standards. The proposed changes aim to update energy performance and test standards for electric water heaters manufactured on or after January 1, 2025.
• Germany: The government emphasizes energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in water heating systems. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has identified that around two-thirds of buildings require renovation to meet energy efficiency targets. To achieve these goals, the government encourages the use of energy-efficient heaters, including the adoption of heat pump technology and solar thermal systems. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy use. Learn more here.
• France: This country aligns with the European Union’s regulations on water heater efficiency. The country implements the EU’s Ecodesign and Energy Labelling directives, which set minimum energy performance standards and require energy labels for heaters. These regulations aim to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact by promoting the use of energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, France offers incentives for the adoption of renewable energy technologies, such as solar water heaters and heat pumps, to encourage the transition to more sustainable water heating solutions.
• Japan: This Asian country has been a pioneer in the development and adoption of energy-efficient technologies. The country promotes the use of heat pump water heaters, known as “Eco-Cute,” which utilize CO₂ as a refrigerant and offer high energy efficiency. The government supports these initiatives through subsidies and regulations that encourage the adoption of efficient water heating systems, contributing to Japan’s broader goals of energy conservation and environmental sustainability.

Water Heater Video Guides

We actively follow several YouTube channels to learn from water heater experts and stay informed about their latest work. Explore them to broaden your knowledge!

• Water Heaters Now: This is your go-to source for everything related to water heaters. Their focus on providing expert guidance through easy-to-understand videos ensures that anyone, whether novice or experienced, can improve their knowledge and skills in maintaining and troubleshooting water heater systems.
• Roger Wakefield Plumbing Education: This channel stands out as a top resource for plumbing professionals and DIYers alike. With a focus on water heaters, Roger breaks down complex concepts into clear, actionable advice, offering solutions for everything from installation to troubleshooting. His practical approach makes it easy to stay informed and confident in your skills.
• Twin Home Experts: It brings a hands-on approach to solving home maintenance issues, with water heater repair being one of their specialties. The experts provide in-depth, real-world advice that goes beyond basic fixes, giving you the knowledge to tackle more advanced challenges with ease and efficiency.
• Mechanical Hub: This is more than just a channel—it’s a comprehensive resource for mechanical systems, including water heaters. Their expert-led tutorials and deep dives into installation and product reviews provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on the latest in plumbing and HVAC technology.
• Handyman Hertz: It brings a refreshing take on home repair by offering straightforward, expert-led advice. With a keen focus on water heaters, their content is perfect for anyone looking to learn how to properly maintain, repair, or replace their unit, all while boosting confidence in tackling home improvement projects.

Got Questions?

At Heater For Water, we’re all about making sure you have the information you need to make the best decision for your water heating needs. Our team takes the time to stay updated on the latest trends, tips, and technologies so we can offer you honest, reliable advice.

If you’re unsure about which water heater is right for you, need help with installation, or just want to know more about how to save energy, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect solution. We’re all about making things easier for you.