Water Heaters

Hot water heater controls.

Heating water can account for up to 20 percent of your average home energy bill. With new green initiatives for energy efficiency, most people are replacing their old water heaters with new, more energy-efficient models. These new water heaters may be more expensive up front but will save you money in the long run.

There are four different types of water heaters:

  • Storage-tank heaters
  • Tankless heaters
  • Hybrid electric heaters
  • Solar water heaters

Storage-Tank Heaters

Storage-tank heaters are basically tall cylinders filled by a cold-water pipe, and water is heated in the tank, then distributed through a hot-water pipe. These are typically fueled by gas and can run off a separate line or your already-established natural gas line. Sometimes you will see these heated by oil or electric, but gas is the most economical way to heat this.

Tankless Heaters

Tankless heaters are sometimes called “instantaneous water heaters” and are often no bigger than a suitcase. They heat only the amount of water needed by an electric coil or natural gas. Tankless heaters have a longer life expectancy and are more energy efficient, but they have a limited flow rate that can be an issue with larger households.

Hybrid Electric Heaters

Hybrid electric heaters are conventional water heaters paired with a heat pump, in which a heat pump is used to heat the water in your tank. These are two to three times more energy efficient than a typical storage-tank heater and cost less to operate. These systems are dependent on the geographical location of your home and the space where they will be installed.

Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heaters are similar to an electric water heater, but instead of using a heat pump to heat the water, solar energy is used. This system works the same to heat the water as a heat pump, by transferring heat and energy to a coil system––using solar energy rather than ground energy. These systems are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than their counterparts but also require a backup system for use on cloudy or high-demand days.

Choosing A Water Heater

Water heaters are sold based on how many gallons they hold. But more importantly, you want to look at the “first-hour rating” for storage-tank water heaters and “gallons-per-minute” rating for tankless. These numbers will give you a better idea of how much hot water you will get within a set amount of time.

The size and type of water heater that will work best for your family can be a complicated decision to make. Contact us or request service online, and one of our certified technicians can tell you what size and type of water heater will best suit your needs.

Need Water Heater Service?

Contact the experts at Vailes Home Services.

Call us at 540-942-0198!

Water Heater Replacement in Waynesboro, VA 22980

“Will and Michael did a great job replacing my old, leaky water heater. They came right on time and answered all my questions on the new unit.”
- Steve J.

Water Heater Repair in Waynesboro, VA 22980

“We walked out of our garage Monday morning to find a small hot water heater leak. After the leak grew, we contacted Vailes based on our positive service with them before with our heating system. Samantha was friendly and promptly set up an appointment for the next day. Gene came by our home the next day and was able to fix the issue on the spot. The service was quick, honest, and personable. We will definitely use Vailes again in the future!”

- Megan Y.

Water Heater Replacement in Waynesboro, VA 22980

“We are very pleased with the work that was done today. The old water heater and solar tanks are gone, and the replacement water heater looks perfect in its new spot (the room looks much larger, now, too)! The work was finished much more quickly than we expected, and despite the amount of demolition that was required, the work site was left very clean. It was all done at a very fair price, too. We are very satisfied!”

- Leigh S.

Water Heater Repair in Stuarts Draft, VA 22939

“I had a water heater go out in a rental unit on a holiday weekend. I called Vailes’ after hours number. Within a few hours, Rory had fixed the problem and hot water was restored. It cost a bit more than normal because of the after hours service, but more than worth it to keep a good renter happy. Great job Vailes and Rory!”

- Keith S.

Vailes Home Services proudly provides HVAC service to Fishersville, Staunton, Waynesboro, Afton, Churchville, Grottoes, Stuarts Draft, Swooope, Verona, and the surrounding communities. Visit our service area page for more coverage details, call us at 540-942-0198, or request service online today.