
There are plenty of options when it comes to installing a water heater in your home. From traditional storage tanks to modern tankless units, there’s a water heater option for every home size and budget. One option you may not be as familiar with is an indirect water heater. Highly efficient and versatile, this system can be revolutionary for homeowners seeking to maximize energy savings while ensuring a steady stream of hot water.
In this blog post, the water heater experts at Universe Home Services explain what an indirect water heater is, its key benefits, and when it may be preferred over other options, such as tankless units.
Indirect Water Heaters Explained
An indirect hot water heater uses the heat generated by your home’s boiler to warm water. Rather than having its own burner or heating element, an indirect water heater relies on a heat exchanger inside a well-insulated storage tank. Hot water from your boiler circulates through the heat exchanger, transferring heat to the water in the tank. The result is a highly efficient system that uses your existing heating source to supply hot water.
What are the Benefits of an Indirect Water Heater?
There are several advantages to choosing an indirect water heater for your home, including:
- Energy efficiency: By using your home’s existing boiler, indirect water heaters minimize energy consumption, especially in homes with high-efficiency boilers.
- Low costs: Since the water heater doesn’t require its own fuel source or burner, operating costs are often lower than traditional water heaters.
- Consistent supply: Indirect water heaters store hot water in well-insulated tanks, ensuring you never run out of hot water — even during peak usage.
- Long lifespan: Compared to conventional systems with direct heating elements that can wear out over time, indirect water heaters have a much longer lifespan.
- Reduced maintenance: Simple and sturdy, indirect water heaters don’t require as much maintenance as water heater systems with their own burners.
Indirect Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heaters
While indirect hot water heaters and tankless water heaters are highly efficient options, there are distinct differences between the two, and understanding them can help you make the best decision for your needs.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a reservoir tank. This makes them ideal for smaller homes or spaces needing a compact solution. However, they may struggle to meet high demand in larger households.
Indirect Water Heaters
Indirect water heaters are better suited for homes with larger families or high hot water usage that already have a boiler installed. They provide a steady supply of hot water and work efficiently when paired with an energy-efficient boiler. However, if you don’t already have a boiler installed, the cost of installing one of these systems may be much higher than for a traditional or tankless option since you’ll need a boiler to ensure proper functionality.
Choose Universe Home Services for Water Heater Services
Whether you’re considering an indirect water heater, a tankless system, or a standard tank unit, Universe Home Services is here to help. Our expert team specializes in water heater installation, repair, and maintenance to ensure your system runs smoothly year-round. With service specials and same-day service availability, you can count on us to provide convenient, cost-effective solutions that leave your home with safe, reliable hot water access when you need it.
Schedule water heater services with our team by contacting us online today.