guy looking at different water heater in a store

Choosing the best type of water heater for my home can make a big difference in comfort and energy bills. The right system gives you steady hot water, cuts energy waste, and fits how your family lives. But with so many types, sizes, and fuel options, it’s easy to feel stuck.

At Tennessee Standard Plumbing, Knoxville’s most trusted plumbing company with five generations of experience, we solve problems other plumbers walk away from. Our team is dedicated to bringing you peace of mind every time—whether it’s installing a new water heater, solving a plumbing emergency, or handling routine maintenance.

We pride ourselves on providing reliable, top-notch service. Every plumber on our team is licensed and trained in the latest plumbing technologies to ensure we meet your needs with precision and care.

If you’re in or around Knoxville, you can count on us to help you choose, install, and maintain a water heater that fits your home. We help you make a choice based on what you actually need, not guesswork or sales pressure.

Common Home Water Heater Types

Let’s look at the most common types of water heaters used in homes. Each one has clear pros and cons.

Tank Water Heaters

A tank water heater heats and stores water in a large insulated tank. It runs in cycles to keep the water warm all day and night.

Good fit for:

  • Families using hot water at regular times installed tankless water heater
  • Homes with space for a large tank
  • Budget-conscious homeowners

Pros:

  • Simple design and operation
  • Lower purchase cost
  • Works well for homes with multiple bathrooms

Cons:

  • Higher energy use from standby heating
  • Can run out of hot water
  • Needs regular flushing to prevent sediment build-up

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless systems heat water on demand as it flows through the unit. They don’t store hot water, so there’s no tank and no standby loss.

Good fit for:

  • Homes with limited space
  • Households that want to save on long-term energy costs
  • People who don’t need to use multiple showers at the same time

Pros:

  • Endless hot water (when properly sized)
  • Smaller footprint, mounts on a wall
  • More energy-efficient

Cons:

  • Higher installation cost
  • Can be limited during peak usage
  • Requires regular maintenance to prevent scaling

Hybrid (Heat Pump) Water Heaters

Hybrid models combine a storage tank with a built-in heat pump that pulls warm air from the surrounding space to heat the water.

Good fit for:

  • Homes with a utility room or garage
  • Families looking to cut electric bills
  • Homeowners wanting a middle ground between tank and tankless

Pros:

  • High energy efficiency
  • Eligible for rebates and incentives
  • Longer lifespan than standard electric units

Cons:

  • Requires ventilation space and steady air temperature
  • More expensive upfront
  • Slower recovery time compared to gas models

A licensed plumber can help match your home and family needs to the right type of system.

Fuel Types and What They Mean for You

Your home’s energy setup plays a big role in choosing a water heater. Most systems run on either electricity or natural gas.

Electric Water Heaters

Electric models are simple to install and widely available.

Benefits:

  • Lower initial cost
  • Works in nearly all homes
  • Safer, with no combustion or gas leaks

Limitations:

  • Slower water heating
  • May cost more to run if electricity rates are high

Gas Water Heaters

Gas water heaters use natural gas to heat the water quickly and efficiently.

Benefits:

  • Heats water faster than electric models
  • Lower monthly energy costs (if gas is available)
  • Good for large families or high usage homes

Limitations:

  • Needs proper venting and safety measures
  • Higher installation cost in homes without existing gas lines

We handle both types and can explain what will work best in your home.

What Size Water Heater Do I Need for My House?

Sizing is one of the most important parts of choosing a water heater. If it’s too small, you’ll run out of hot water. If it’s too large, you’ll waste money heating water you don’t use.

Tank Water Heater Sizing Guide:different water heater size

  • 1–2 people: 30–40 gallons
  • 2–3 people: 40–50 gallons
  • 3–4 people: 50–60 gallons
  • 5+ people: 60–80 gallons

Tankless Water Heater Sizing:

Tankless systems are sized by flow rate (gallons per minute). A plumber can estimate your peak usage and match the right system.

If you’re unsure, we can evaluate your home and make sure your system matches your household’s real needs.

Energy Efficiency and Lifespan

Water heaters use a lot of energy, second only to HVAC systems in most homes. Choosing an efficient model lowers long-term costs and increases system life.

Lifespan estimates:

  • Tank systems: 10–15 years
  • Tankless: 15–20 years
  • Hybrid: 13–18 years

Efficiency tips:

  • Look for ENERGY STAR–rated models
  • Consider low-flow fixtures to reduce demand
  • Flush the tank yearly to remove sediment

Newer units offer smart features like app controls, vacation mode, and leak detection.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Before picking a system, ask yourself:

  • How many people live in your home?
  • Do you often use hot water in more than one place at once?
  • Do you have natural gas service or only electricity?
  • How much space is available for installation?
  • What’s your upfront and long-term budget?

Tennessee Standard Plumbing answers these during your service call. You’ll get real recommendations based on your answers—not just sales talk.

DIY vs Professional Installation

Water heater installation isn’t a weekend project. Even small mistakes can lead to leaks, high bills, or unsafe setups.

DIY risks:

  • Leaking connections
  • Improper venting
  • Sizing mistakes
  • No permit or inspection
  • Voided warranty

Why hire a licensed plumber:

  • Code-compliant installation
  • Correct sizing and placement
  • Safe gas and electric hookups
  • Warranty-backed work
  • Quick and clean process

Our Peace of Mind Process makes installation clear and stress-free from the first step.

Water Heater Services in Knoxville

We are a local, family-owned company with deep roots in Knoxville. We’ve been helping hundreds of homeowners fix or replace their water heaters for many years. We specialize in:

  • Tank and tankless water heater installation
  • Electric and gas system diagnostics
  • Water heater repair and part replacement
  • Flushing and routine maintenance
  • Emergency leak repairs and replacements

We’re proud of our reputation. We’ve earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, Elite Service status on HomeAdvisor, and hundreds of five-star reviews from Knoxville families.

If you’re facing a breakdown—or just want to plan ahead—call us at (865) 352-9003 or visit our page to book your service.

Get the Right Water Heater for Your Home—Tailored to Fit Your Needs

Every home is different. A family of four won’t need the same water heater as a retired couple. The best type of water heater for your home depends on how you live, what fuel is available, and how much space you have.

At Tennessee Standard Plumbing, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We help you choose based on facts—not guesses. Whether you’re upgrading, replacing a broken unit, or building a new home, we’ll help you get it right.

To start with a system that fits your home, budget, and daily routine, call us today or book online. We’re proud to offer the most reliable plumbing services in Knoxville.