There are quite a few options when it comes to upgrading or installing a new water heater. As explained in the sidebar, water heaters are described in several different ways. The type or “style” of water heater is an important choice, but you’ll also need to consider size and heat source. It helps to discuss your water heating needs with an experienced contractor who is familiar with all water heating options.
If you are looking to repair or replace your water heater, the experts at J&RS can help. With many years of experience in the plumbing industry, we have seen what can happen when an old water heater springs a leak - the damage caused can be devastating and expensive.
If you constantly run out of hot water or your hot water heating system is leaking, don't wait until it's too late! Contact J&RS for a free estimate for water heater repair, replacement and installation in Esko, Cloquet, Duluth and nearby.
Below are some basic details about the different types of water heaters available to homeowners. You can also visit the specific pages for each type to learn more about the services we offer.
Gas-fired, tank-type water heater.
Tankless water heater.
Tank-type water heaters store hot water so that it’s always available when needed. By far the most common type of water heater, tank-type water heaters can rely on electricity, natural gas, propane or fuel oil as a heat source. A thermostat in the storage tank controls water heating to maintain a constant water temperature in the 120-degree to 140-degree range. Insulation surrounding the tank reduces standby heat loss. Typical tank size for households is 50-80 gallons.
Heat pump water heaters qualify as tank-type water heaters and are powered by electricity. A small, air-source heat pump installed on top of the hot water storage tank pumps hot, pressurized refrigerant compound into a heat exchanger located in or around the hot water tank. A heat pump water heater is more expensive than a standard tank-type water heater, but it’s also about twice as energy efficient.
Tankless water heaters are compact & efficient. This type of water heater is also known as a “demand” heater because the heating element only comes on when a demand is made for hot water. Most tankless water heaters use propane or natural gas as a heat source. They can cut water heating expenses significantly in households where hot water use is infrequent.
Indirect water heaters use heat from a boiler. When a house has some sort of hydronic (water-based) heating system, the boiler that heats water for whole-house heating can sometimes also supply hot water for washing.
Solar water heating can cut water heating costs by 80%. Also known as a solar thermal system, this type of water heating utilizes the sun’s heat as a free heat source, saving money and also cutting carbon emissions. A solar water heating system must also have some sort of supplemental water heating that takes over when sunlight isn’t available.
Call 1-844-587-0057 or get an online quote to schedule an appointment with J&RS. We provide free estimates for water heater repair and installation, as well as complete plumbing services in Cloquet, Duluth, Esko, Two Harbors, Saginaw, Moose Lake, South Range, Iron River, Foxboro, Hawthorne and surrounding areas.
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