Storage Tank Water Heater

What is it?

Traditional and recognizable, storage tank water heaters are what many think of when they think of a water heater.

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Available in common sizes 40-, 50-, and 80-gallon for home use, and larger capacities for commercial applications, storage tank water heaters maintains a ready supply of hot water for instant delivery when needed.

Benefits of a storage tank water heater

Storage tank water heaters are an efficient and proven, low-cost option for hot water supplies.

What’s more, operating a storage tank water heater is affordable at $30/month or less if you’re using a discounted off-peak rate. For larger households, or those who need a greater supply of hot water, we recommend an 80-gallon unit on an off-peak rate.

How do they work?

Simply put, storage tank water heaters use large tanks to heat and store hot water for when it’s needed. Most storage tank water heaters depend on electricity or some kind of gas to heat the water.

A mixing valve offers safety

The addition of a mixing valve allows you to set the water temperature to a higher setting without the risk of scalding. This valve mixes cold water with the hot water from your tank to provide water at a safe and comfortable temperature. This extends the total amount of hot water that is available for household use. 

Mixing valve extends hot water supply and prevents scalding.

Conventional storage water heaters remain the most popular type of water heating system for the home. Here you'll find basic information about how storage water heaters work; what criteria to use when selecting the right model; and some installation, maintenance, and safety tips.

How They Work

A single-family storage water heater offers a ready reservoir -- from 20 to 80 gallons -- of hot water. It operates by releasing hot water from the top of the tank when you turn on the hot water tap. To replace that hot water, cold water enters the bottom of the tank through the dip tube where it is heated, ensuring that the tank is always full.

Conventional storage water heater fuel sources include natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity. Learn more about fuel types available when selecting a new water heater.

For more information, please visit Hot Water Tank Storage.

Since water is heated in the tank until the thermostat setpoint temperature is reached, energy can be wasted even when a hot water tap isn't running due to standby heat losses, which result from the tank losing heat to the surrounding environment. Only tankless water heaters -- such as demand-type water heaters and tankless coil water heaters -- avoid standby heat losses. Some storage water heater models have heavily insulated tank, which significantly reduce standby heat losses and lower annual operating costs. Look for models with tanks that have a thermal resistance (R-Value) of R-24 and above to avoid adding an insulation blanket (electric water heaters only).

Gas and oil water heaters also have venting-related energy losses. Two types of water heaters -- a fan-assisted gas water heater and an atmospheric sealed-combustion water heater -- reduce these losses. Visit the Energy Basics site to learn more about how conventional storage water heaters work.

For low energy bills the best choice to consider are heat pump water heaters and solar water heaters. These water heaters are usually more expensive but they have significantly lower annual operating costs that result in short payback periods.

Selecting a Storage Water Heater

The lowest-priced storage water heater may be the most expensive to operate and maintain over its lifetime. While an oversized unit may be alluring, it carries a higher purchase price and increased energy costs due to higher standby energy losses.

Before buying a new storage water heater, consider the following:

• Size and first hour rating
• Fuel type and availability
• Energy efficiency and costs.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance of your water heater can optimize its energy efficiency.

Proper installation depends on many factors. These factors include fuel type, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues, especially concerning the combustion of gas- and oil-fired water heaters. Therefore, it's best to have a qualified plumbing and heating contractor install your storage water heater. Be sure to do the following when selecting a contractor:

• Request cost estimates in writing
• Ask for references
• Check the company with your local Better Business Bureau
• See if the company will obtain a local permit if necessary and understands local building codes, etc.

If you're determined to install it yourself, first consult the water heater's manufacturer. Manufacturers usually have the necessary installation and instruction manuals. Also, contact your city or town for information about obtaining a permit, if necessary, and about local water heater building codes.

Periodic water heater maintenance can significantly extend your water heater's life and minimize loss of efficiency. Read your owner's manual for specific maintenance recommendations.

Routine maintenance for storage water heaters, depending on what type/model you have, may include:

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Cold Storage Compressors.

• Flushing a quart of water from the storage tank every three months
• Checking the temperature and pressure valve every six months
• Inspecting the anode rod every three to four years.

Improving Energy Efficiency