Here are some basics of water heaters, and what different kinds of heaters are available. A water heater takes cold water from the water supply and heats is up to a certain temperature, ready for you to use.

There are many differences to each type of heater, but they basically have all of these components. A cold water intake is a connection from your water supply line. Water enters here on its journey to heat.

You are going to have some kind of water holding chamber. Many people thing of this at the hot water holding tank. But even tankless heaters store water in coils until ready to heat. (More on this later.) You have a heating unit that is either powered by electricity, natural or propane gas, or even solar energy.

There is a thermostat, a hot water outlet pipe, and a drain valve for maintenance and replacement.

A tank style heater will also have a pressure relief valve, which lets off excess pressure. If left unchecked it could potentially cause an explosion. Each style of water heater may have its own type of monitoring system as well.

Now when you are picking out your new water heater there are some things you need to know. One of them is what your first hour rate is, or FHR. FHR is based on the size of your family, and what variables there are, like more than one bathroom, if you have a large bath, or a Jacuzzi.

The basic guidelines for FHR requirements are; 45-55gallons for up to two people, 55-65gallons for three and so on in 10 gallon increments. These are just the basics, your needs may be more, or less, and standards may change from community to community.

There are two basic styles of water heaters, ones with holding tanks, and those that are tankless, or on demand. Both of these run on electricity, gas, propane, or solar. No matter if you choose tank or tankless, electrical heaters take far more time and energy than gas models. You have some advantages and disadvantages with each kind of heater.

Tank heaters are by far the best water heaters if you want almost instant hot water. Because hot water is stored in the tank, it gets to your faucet or showerhead within seconds.

Many people like being able to have instant hot water, but there is a big drawback. It takes a lot of energy to heat that stored water, and keep it that way. Every time the temperature drops below a certain point the heating element kicks on and heats the water back up.

For people who are trying to conserve energy, cut down on heating up water, and save a little water as well, a tankless water heater can be ideal. The advantages here are that you will use less energy, because the water only gets heated when needed, no tank to keep filled, nothing to maintain, and they usually last longer than a conventional tank model, because there are less working parts.

The drawback is that you will not get instant hot water, and may even go through a whole gallon of water before it is heated to temperature.