Heat Pump | - Minimal operating cost
- Keeps the water at the required temperature
- Clean, ecological and safe
- Maintenance-free
- Quiet
- Easy to use
- Highly precise control
| - Loss of efficiency when the temperature is below 5°C or 40°F
- Investment upon purchase
|
Electricity | - Low investment cost
- Clean, ecological and safe
- Small size
- Maintenance-free
| - High operating cost
- High installation cost (requires a 75 amp breaker for the 15 kw heater)
- Inaccurate mechanical thermostat
- Likely to corrode easily
|
Propane | - High operating cost
- High installation cost (requires a 75 amp breaker for the 15 kw heater)
- Inaccurate mechanical thermostat
- Likely to corrode easily
| - High installation cost
- Tank rental
- Very cumbersome and unsightly tank
- Foul smell
- Expensive to operate
|
Oil | - Heats fast
- Can be used in any temperature
| - High initial investment
- Very cumbersome tank
- Foul smell
- Corrosion
- Very high operating cost
|
Solar | - Low operating cost
- Low sensitivity to corrosion and chemicals
- Clean and safe
- Low maintenance
| - Investment upon purchase
- No temperature control
- Requires an automatic stopping systems to avoid cooling of the water
- High installation cost
- Damage to the roof throughout the years
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