11 Best Indirect Water Heaters (Reviews & Comparisons)

1. Triangle Tube Indirect Water Heater 

Triangle Tube is a brand from Europe that has entered the US market with mixed reviews. Part of the negativity is that it isn't US-based, which can be a sore point for some. However, if you are looking for a water heater that simply works, Triangle Tube may be your best option. 

It can handle the harshness of well water, and the tank remains durable and full, even when there is a drought. As long as your pumps are working, you will have hot water. Because it is an indirect water heater, you also don’t have to worry about additional spikes in your bills. 

The 36 gallon tank provides enough constant hot water for a family of 4 or 5, even with simultaneous showers. You also get an extremely low pressure drop, rivaling the drop rate of the Westinghouse models. 

The top mount connections are also important as they decrease installation time, which can equate to a lower install fee. It also makes the system much easier to maintain and control when and if the time comes. 

There are 4 basic sizes to choose from (30 to 60 gallons), and each connects directly with your boiler; no expansion tank is needed. You also get a 6/6/3 year warranty covering the tank assembly, components, parts, coverage for 6 years, and 3 years labor costs coverage. 

4. HTP SuperStor Indirect Water Heater 

Utilizing 316L stainless steel, the HTP SuperStor indirect water tank can withstand almost anything your water can bring with it. The stainless steel helps fight off corrosion, while the longer dip tubes bring water in from the boiler helps to keep the sediment from settling in the tank. 

The 2-inch thick insulation between inner and outer tanks is a polymer foam that helps reduce heat loss while idle. While this model does work with any boiler, for the highest cost savings and efficiency rating, it is best paired with a new HTP boiler that is designed specifically to work in conjunction with this water heater. 

The larger tanks offer a massive first-hour rating which is easily the best in the business. The 564 gallons first hour delivery means you can have all the hot water you need for showers, dishes and laundry. 

However, there is a drastic drop-off for the smaller tank sizes, where, for example, the 30 gallon model only offers 154 gallons. With laser welding, double coils with extensive fins, your hot water problems are all but solved right here. 

The 10-year limited warranty helps protect your investment, though the claim process can be a bit of a challenge. With enough persistence and proper registration of your purchase, though, the process is a lot easier. 

5. Lochinvar Squire SIT040 Indirect Water Heater 

The Squire SIT indirect water heater model from Lochinvar is one you may not have heard of before. However, the SIT models are some of the most efficient and dependable in the industry. The biggest issue, though, is that they are also one of the most expensive. 

For the premium pricing, though, you get some of the best ratings, stats, and materials available. Stainless steel construction is standard, along with multiple water source connections such as boilers, furnaces, and even electric HVAC systems. 

You can also choose single wall or double-wall tanks, all with over 2-inches of water-blown insulation to help reduce heat loss and added efficiency. In total, they offer you 17 different models with capacities between 30 and 119 gallons. 

The first-hour rate, recovery rate, and flow-through rate are all high enough to rival any brand in the industry. The larger models can easily accommodate families over 6 members with 3+ bathrooms. 

With the addition of a lifetime warranty, good customer service, and an aesthetically pleasing system, you have nothing to lose except high utility bills. 

6. Weil-Mclain Indirect Hot Water Heater 

Weil-McLain offers two ranges of indirect water heaters, known as Aqua Plus and Aqua Pro. The Aqua Plus series is the more affordable series and offers slightly lower installation requirements. However, both are durable, reliable, and offer excellent flow rates. 

The most significant difference is the construction, core use, and warranty coverage. The Pro series costs more, but you get a more durable lining to the inner tank, better coverage, and faster recovery times, thanks to the insulated bibs and larger piping. 

Because of the added durability, the warranty coverage is almost double. Where the Plus series models are covered for 7 years, the Pro series are covered for 12. This is a marked difference and needs to be pointed out. However, both series models are rated for 15+ years of dedicated service. 

These models are tanked but act as tankless with an expansion tank used. This means there are no anode rods to replace, no corrosion or sediment to deal with, and a constant, reliable stream of hot water whenever you need it. 

7. Amtrol CH41Z Indirect Water Heater

Indirect fired water heaters have been around since 1980. The inventor of that first model was Armtrol, and they have a long history of residential and industrial innovations. Included on that list are the invention of pre-pressurized diaphragm expansion tanks, well tanks, refrigerant gas cylinders, and thermal expansion tanks. 

The indirect water heater tank was connected to a boiler system to use the existing energy from the boiler to heat the water in the storage tank. This minimized fuel usage and increased hot water output. From there, the Amtrol Boilermate only grew in innovation, production, and popularity. 

Like a tankless water heater system, they don't require any venting or additional utility connections, provide more heated water, and are more efficient than a standard system. However, they also offer a storage tank that doesn’t corrode, so your whole family can enjoy hot water. 

The small footprint, simple installation, and top-mounted connections not only save on monthly and annual utility bills and increase hot water production, but they have a long list of features. 

The Bimodal HPDE Poly tank is corrosion-free and does not need anode rods. The tank also has a form-fitted outer shell for increased efficiency and is twice the strength of a traditional tank construction. All Amtrol indirect water heaters come with a 6-year limited warranty. However, there is a limited lifetime warranty upgrade available. 

8. Bock Sidekick Indirect Water Heater 

The Bock Sidekick is a tanked water heater design that uses a boiler, furnace, or electric input to heat your water. These models are not only affordable but long-lasting and highly efficient. With multiple sizes to choose from, you also get the benefit of selecting the size best for your family and needs. 

With Bock, the tanks aren't that special. The company doesn't spend a lot of time making highly attractive or futuristic model designs. Instead, they keep things simple and easy, and with a closet or garage/basement install, they aren't the center of attention anyway. 

What you do get, though, is a water heater that performs well, at high volume and without a lot of wasted energy. The tanks are all-steel construction with a cobalt-glass lining on the inner tank as well as the heating coil. This prevents corrosion and deterioration, giving you a long tank life. 

With options from 30 to 119 gallons, your home will have all the hot water it needs, even when used in multiple locations simultaneously. With the largest model, for example, you can expect up to 291 gallons of hot water for first hour delivery. The recovery rate is relatively high, too, meaning you will never run out of hot water when it is needed. 

The warranty is pretty straightforward for residential installations. Fill out and return the warranty card upon installation of the system, and you will be covered for life. Optionally, do not return the warranty card, and you are covered for 7 years. 

9. Westinghouse Indirect Water Heater 

With Westinghouse, you will get brand recognition and durability to go along with your energy efficiency and ease of install. The Westinghouse indirect water heaters are specially designed to work with modern boilers. 

In fact, if you are looking to upgrade your boiler too, the Westinghouse HTP boiler and a Westinghouse indirect water heater can maintain your high efficiency and lowered energy bills, even through the summer when a boiler isn’t generally needed or used. 

Available in 6 different gallon sizes, you can find the right-sized tank for your home and family needs. Even with multiple showers or chores at the same time, the indirect water heater will maintain temperature and pressure all day long. 

The easy installation will also help reduce your labor costs when having the system put in your home. With top mount connections, insulated bibs, and a factory-installed T&P relief valve, it won't take long to have hot water running throughout your home. 

The durable tanks, linings, and safety features all lead to a 10-year warranty coverage, too. No special things to do other than register your purchase, and the coverage is yours. 

10. Techtanium Indirect Hot Water Heater 

Diversified Heat Transfer (DHT) is a brand that produces some beautiful and durable units. The Techtanium series of indirect water heaters is their biggest claim to fame, and for good reason. 

These models come in two styles, TT or MT, which offer side or top mount connections, so you can choose the best option for your needs. You will also find the two styles share tank capacities at 20, 40, 55, 79, and 119 gallons. 

The titanium glass-lined inner tanks allow for heat expansion and offer elasticity for long life. In addition, the powder coat finish on the outer tank gives you lifelong protection from the elements. Ideal for all installations, these systems work with all hydronic heat sources, including boilers and furnaces. 

They also come with a 7-year warranty. However, the warranty claim requires removal and shipment of the unit (unless told not to), which may come at your expense. On top of that, though, once the repaired or replaced unit is shipped back to you, the warranty is extended for one more year. 

11. Heat-Flo HF-40 Stainless Steel Indirect Water Heater 

Heat-Flo is a brand with a long list of products and solutions for your home or business. Their line of indirect water heaters comes in multiple size options to suit all of your needs. If you have extremely high demands for hot water, you can also bank together two models to get additional capacity and performance. 

The entire system (tanks and coils) is constructed of 316L stainless steel, which helps reduce corrosion and minimize deposit build-up. Without a direct fire flame in the tank like a standard system, you also minimize lime and scale build-up. 

The Heat-Flo series of indirect water heaters also use top-mounted connectors to help with installation and maintenance ease. The all brass drain and T&P relief valves are factory installed, also saving you time and less worry about proper mounting. 

Using this model with any modern boiler will give you the ultimate control over the system and provide you with the most efficient use of the water heater. The construction of the tanks also includes a thermoplastic outer shell. It doesn't corrode, dent or scratch and can even further reduce the chance of leaking. 

Choosing The Right Indirect Water Heater for Your Needs 

Before you head out and buy your indirect water heating system, there are a few things to consider. In this section, we will outline those considerations and explain why they are important. 

Type Of Indirect Water Heater 

Indirect water heaters are generally categorized into two categories: tanked and tankless. Tanked models look like a standard water heater with a tank installed in a garage, closet, or basement. In most cases, they will be installed near the furnace or boiler for more efficient use of the hot air. 

Tankless or on-demand systems don't use a tank at all, and the water passes through the heat exchanger on its way to the faucet. As a result, tankless systems offer a more efficient supply of hot water, but larger homes or families may find the hot water doesn't last as long. 

Energy Efficiency 

Because you don’t have a need to heat the water separately from your air, indirect systems are much more efficient. This is because they don't solely rely on heating elements or internal systems and use air and energy already produced by your existing system.  

Size & Capacity 

By their nature, indirect systems are also smaller than a traditional water heater (tanked models) since they don't require larger spaces or bigger tanks. Tankless systems also don't have much more than a water pipe and a few inlet valves. Since most of the heating is done by the heat exchanger, you can install them almost anywhere without the worry of space. 

Insulating Capabilities 

Indirect water heater tanks rely on heat from outside sources. For this reason, the holding tanks need to be properly insulated to ensure the heated water stays hot. There are several insulation methods, including the tank material itself. 

You will also find double-layered tanks with foam, spray, or fiberglass insulation in between. Better insulation methods mean a more expensive system upfront, but this cost addition is generally minimal and always worth it. 

Compatibility 

Not only does your home need to have an existing HVAC system, but it needs to be compatible with indirect heating. Most modern systems are capable of this, including electric, forced air, furnace, and boiler heating. If you have a home that is not compatible with HVAC systems, you won’t be able to use indirect water heaters. 

Warranty 

Most indirect water heater companies know how long these units and systems can last (average over 20 years). Their warranties reflect this longevity and offer you more than a standard water heater warranty might. 

However, it is still crucial that you read through the warranty agreement to know what is and isn't covered, if a professional installation is required and how to make a claim. 

Price 

As we have stated already, indirect water heaters are highly cost-effective and efficient. However, installing these systems and their initial costs are much higher than a standard unit. To get the most out of your new indirect system, you shouldn’t expect to see any savings until about year 2 or 3. 

By then, the system will have begun to pay for itself, and the monthly or annual savings will begin to appear more substantial. 

Benefits of Indirect Vs. Direct Hot Water Heaters 

There are a lot of benefits to these indirect water heater systems. The most obvious of which is less equipment in your water heater closet. Even the tanked models have smaller footprints and fewer parts. 

The fact that they have fewer moving parts is also a benefit, as it lowers the amount of maintenance you need to do. Lower maintenance means more time enjoying the hot water in your home than worrying about if it will be there or not.

Of course, they also lower your monthly utility bills by not adding to the energy consumption directly. If you are already using your furnace, heater, or boiler, you won't be charged more for continuing to do so. 

Finally, indirect water heaters don’t have the strain and stress of direct water heaters that go through continuous heating cycles. The metal tanks don't flex as much, which can lead to leaking, needing repairs or damage to internal parts. 

By not requiring additional safeguards for these instances, indirect water heaters last longer, saving you even more in the long run. 

Indirect Water Heaters Explained: (How They Work) 

Indirect water heaters, as the name implies, heat your home’s water indirectly. This means that essentially they are a method for transferring water heated by another source. That source is generally your home’s air heating system. 

The most common systems are boilers and furnaces. However, any whole-home heating system can work. The system uses a heat exchanger that turns the energy from the boiler or furnace into hot water. 

The coils inside the heat exchanger are heated by the hot air created by your furnace or boiler. This, in turn (and indirectly), heats the water in the water tank. When you need hot water at a tap or faucet, the water leaves the tank and appears at the tap. 

Different Types of Indirect Water Heating Systems 

As you have seen throughout this article, there are two main types of indirect water heaters. Whether you decide on a tanked or tankless model will be completely up to you, your hot water needs, and other factors. Let's take a closer look at both options now. 

Indirect with Integrated Tanks 

The most common system is an indirect heating set up with a storage tank. While the tanks themselves are smaller than a traditional setup, they still maintain the same capacity levels. For example, you can have storage tanks between 20 and 80 gallons, though the most common sizes are about 40 gallons. 

These systems are installed close to the furnace or boiler, so the heat exchanger is as close to the heating as possible. The heat is then transferred through piping to the cold water inlet, where the water is heated over time and held in the tank until it is needed. 

This setup is the most common and affordable of the two options, but while it has a high-efficiency rating and long life expectancy, it doesn't match a tankless design. 

Tankless Coil Systems 

With a tankless system, the process is the same. The difference is, obviously, that there isn’t a tank to store hot water. Known as on-demand water heaters, these use stored energy and heated coils to heat the water along the pipes as it travels to from the inlet to the faucet. 

By the time it hits your faucet, the water is hot. In near instant heating, you can get hot water much faster than with a tanked system. However, the hot water is a bit more limited. Large homes or families using hot water simultaneously may find that the water doesn’t last as long. 

Aside from this one negative aspect, tankless systems are faster, require less equipment, are easier to install, and last much longer. With average lifespans of 25 or more years, they are an economical choice for many homeowners. 

Common Indirect Water Heater Problems 

Water heaters are generally forgotten until we have to wait for hot water, or it never comes. There are several issues associated with water heaters that can be an easy fix or may require a professional to repair. Below are the most common problems and their possible causes as well as solutions. 

FAQs

How efficient are indirect water heaters? 

Indirect water heaters are among the most efficient systems on the market right now. While they have a higher initial cost (unit and installation), they end up paying for themselves in energy bill savings after a few years. With double the life expectancy, those savings continue for at least two decades. 

How long does an indirect water heater last? 

On average, a tanked indirect water heater can last 20 to 25 years, which is over twice the life expectancy of a standard water heater. Tankless designs can last even longer when paired with a modern furnace or boiler. 

How do indirect hot water heaters compare with tankless models? 

Tankless water heaters can be more efficient. According to Energy.gov, tankless systems installed in homes that use less than 41 gallons per day are up to 34% more efficient. However, larger homes or larger families will find the benefits of tanked models more efficient as they won’t run out of hot water as fast or as often. 

Do indirect water heaters need to be flushed? 

Yes. Any water heater with a tank will need to be flushed at least twice a year. This will help combat and remove sediment that can damage the inner tank, heating elements, and lower the capacity of the tank. Bacteria, sediment, and contaminants in tankless models also need to be flushed out every 12 to 18 months as well. 

How much does it cost to install an indirect hot water heater? 

Installation costs will vary by state, region, and install type. Typically indirect water heaters cost more than a standard model install. On top of the unit cost, expect to pay between $800 and $2000 for indirect water heater installation when performed by a licensed professional. 

Conclusion

Indirect water heaters are efficient, economical and can pay for their higher initial costs over just a few years. However, they aren’t for every home. While they do work with any HVAC system already installed in the home, they are best used with boilers and furnace systems. 

The top choice for indirect water heaters is the Triangle Tube model. It efficiently utilizes heat from a boiler or furnace to produce hot water, making it reliable and cost-effective. With its durable construction and large storage capacity, it's suitable for households of all sizes. Plus, it's easy to install and use, making it a practical choice for homeowners.