• Water heaters enable the modern self-indulgence of a leisurely shower.Shower image by Semfamily from Fotolia.com
  
  Virtually out of mind until something goes wrong, water heaters ease life by providing hot water at a touch for bathing, washing dishes or clothes, and cooking. The convenience comes at a cost: “After heating and cooling, water heating is typically the largest energy user in the home,” the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy says. The variety of modern water heater types lets homeowners select the best match for their needs and budgets.
  
  

Conventional Water Heaters

• The traditional water heating system uses a tank to hold heated water until needed in the home. The tank water heater uses energy in the form of gas, fuel oil or electricity to warm the water and keep it warm. These systems are not the most efficient because they require energy to maintain the water’s temperature. Tanks are well-insulated, but they can't completely prevent heat loss. As users deplete the reserve, the conventional water heater begins to replenish the tank. Conventional water heaters can't heat water quickly enough to match the flow rate of devices such as showers, so after a time the hot water can be depleted. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy says the most efficient tank system is one heated by gas.
  
  

Solar Water Heaters

• Solar water heater systems capture the sun’s energy and transfer it to a heating element that is used to warm water. The heated water is stored in insulated tanks, ready for use. Solar systems work in any climate, but the federal Energy Star program's website notes that protection for the outside solar panels is required in freezing climates. Solar energy systems have a higher initial cost than other systems, but because they use the sun's energy the systems' only costs are the initial purchase and maintenance. Solar systems can save the homeowner a tremendous amount of money over the long run.
  
  

Tankless Water Heaters

• Tankless water heater technology is incredibly efficient because the heater does not waste costly energy keeping a tank of water warm, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Tankless water heaters are able to heat water quickly as it emerges from the tap. Consumers never run out of hot water. Because the tankless water heater heats water on demand, the flow may not be as quick to the tap as it is in conventional systems. But tankless water heater owners never need to worry about an errant pilot light or leaks.