Winter can be a real struggle, especially with respect to water, as water is something you can’t avoid – be it washing your hands, working in the kitchen, shower, or other utilities.
So you look for alternative ways to ensure a continuous supply of hot water from your stock water tank.
Freezing of stock water tanks is a prevalent problem faced by individuals during winters.
Although there are different ways of heating water, most of them account for around 10% of the average energy bill.
Ensuring a continuous hot water supply is an essential part of winter management.
So, in this article, we will try to look at different alternative ways to heat a stock water Tank and how to select the correct alternative for continuous hot water supply at your home.
Contents
Stock Water Tank Gets Too Cold
Snow-covered fields are beautiful to look at, but at times, these winters can be very brutal.
It brings a whole new set of challenges, including storage of stock water. It is practically impossible to survive on ice-chilled water for a very long period.
Chilled winters and bitter cold are difficult not just for humans but also for the animals living in the surrounding.
You will feel very helpless when you have water in your stock tank, but you cannot use it as it is extremely cold.
3 Alternative Ways To Heat A Stock Water Tank
Waiting for hot water can be frustrating, especially during chilled winters. Getting hot water when it’s needed and where it’s needed is very crucial.
So, finding out alternative, cost-effective ways to heat stock water tanks is important. There are 3 ways to heat a stock water tank.
- Build a solar stock tank.
- Setting a wood stove water heating system.
- Buy and set a water heater.
Now let us discuss each of them in detail.
Build a Solar Stock Tank
A well-built solar stock tank is one of the best and most reliable solutions for keeping the water hot for general use.
It is a combination of a well-insulated storage tank along with a solar collector to heat the water inside the tank using solar energy.
It is built using a standard galvanized metal stock tank, which is surrounded by a well-insulated enclosure. The enclosure’s south wall is a double-glazed solar collector, which is just next to the metal tank wall, acting as an absorber.
The light streams through the glass onto the tank wall, heating the water inside the tank.
The total cost of building a solar stock tank is less than 200US$, which is less than the electricity bill for using an electric heater for two months.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Energy Efficient Reduces Overall Cost Simple and Convenient DIY Installation | Backup System Required(For Extended Cloudy Days) |
Setting Wood Stove Water Heating System
Yes, you heard it right. You can set up a wood stove for heating up the stock water to maintain a continuous hot water supply.
It is a multifunction set up to keep you warm, cook your dinner, dry your clothes, and heat up the domestic water, all at a time.
Here, a stainless-steel heat exchanger coil is attached to the interior of the firebox and passes through the back of the wood-burning cookstove to link with pipes that go up to the hot water storage tank and form a simple wood stove water heating system.
It is a one-time installation, with a cost of about 500-700US$, but it will save you a significant amount in the long run.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Eliminate Additional Bills(Hot Water) Multifunctional Setup | Uses Wood |
Buy And Setup A Water Heater
Water heaters are another good setup for keeping the water inside the stock water tank hot. They come in many designs and with many different features. You need to choose the best which serves your purpose.
So, let us now have a look at different types of water heaters available in the market along with their specific features & benefits.
Sunbank 40 Gallon Solar Water Heater
The Sunbank 40-gallon solar water heater is an easy to install, cost-effective and efficient way to supply hot water for both domestic and commercial use.
It comprises of a set of solar collectors to absorb the thermal energy from the sun and heat the water stored in the tank. The SRCC certification guarantees product quality.
Cost: $2,499.00
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-Effective Less Maintenance | Efficiency reduces in prolonged periods of rains and fogs. |
Outdoor Propane Gas Water Heater
Camplux has come out with a portable and compact design of propane gas water heaters suitable for camping, instant animal showers, etc. It consists of a propane gas burner to heat the water, being activated by a flow sensor.
Camplux Pro 1.58 GPM Tankless Propane Water Heater
- 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - 11.81(W)*5.12(D)*17.32(H) inches, 13 lbs lightweight portable water heater's folding handle keeps it out of the way and enables easy setup outside
- 𝟏.𝟓𝟖 𝐆𝐏𝐌 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 - 41,000 BTU/hour maximum output power allows for 1.58 gallons per minute of on demand hot water. The temperature raise is 122℉ at its highest point and 50℉ is at its lowest point. No need to preheat before operating the camping water heater
- 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Just connect water inlet and outlet, attach the propane tank, check for gas leaks, insert 2D batteries, set up in minutes. Use gaskets to prevent water leaks for better performance
It only takes you a few minutes to get about 1.58 gallons per minute of instant hot water. Also, the CSA safety testing standard ensures that the product is safe for use.
Cost: $190
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple Operation Portable & Eco-Friendly | Requires Professional Installation |
Display Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater
One of the newest instruments to create a more efficient house are tankless water heaters. They are mostly powered by gas burners or electric coils.
Camplux 16L Outdoor 4.22 GPM Digital Display Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater
- 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗧𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹-Install your Camplux water heater in just 5 minutes, complete with all necessary accessories. Note: To avoid "caught on fire "with improper operation by refraining from using Teflon tape between the gas regulator and inlet pipe.
- 𝟰.𝟮𝟮 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿-Enjoy 4.22 gallons per minute of instant hot water. Ideal for camping and remote cabins,outdoor shower,etc. The propane tankless water heater activates with water pressure between 4.0-110 PSI.
- 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 & 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻-With 110,000 BTU/hour, get endless hot water anywhere. Benefit from 11.5% energy savings with our propane water heater exchanger and main burner, designed with advanced combustion technology.
Camplux Digital Display Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater is powered by propane gas and works by running water through a high-powered heat exchanger to instantly heat the water you need.
Cost: $400
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Higher Efficiency Longer Life Span | Higher Installation Cost |
Storage Tank Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters come in various sizes and designs. It consists of the water tank in which water is heated to a predetermined set temperature using gas or electricity and stored until you need to use it.
Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
- CONVENIENT HOT WATER HEATER: 2.5 gallon point-of-use mini-tank fits under your sink to provide hot water right where you need it. Thermal efficiency is 98%. Dimensions : 13.75 W x 13.75 H x 10.75 D Inches
- LONG LASTING QUALITY: This electric water heater is easy to maintain and has premium glass-lined material for a long service life. (Amps 12A, Volts (VAC) 120)
- INDEPENDENT INSTALLATION: 36-37" cord plugs into a 120 volt outlet for independent installation or in-line with a large hot water source
Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water is compact and can easily be mounted both on the floor or wall. In addition, they can fit easily under a sink or even in a cabinet space because of their sleek and attractive design.
Cost: $155
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Lower Upfront Cost Simple Maintenance | Higher Utility Bills |
Tankless Water Heaters
EcoSmart has come up with a compact design of a tankless electric water heater. It ensures an endless supply of on-demand hot water.
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
- Endless On-Demand Hot Water; Consistent hot water when you need it that never runs out; Continuously monitored water temperature and controlled flow rates ensure efficiency and consistent performance within 1 degree of selected temperature.Amperage Draw : 54 A.Special Features: Energy Efficient
- Save Space; EcoSmart tankless electric water heaters are 90% smaller than traditional tank heaters; may be installed on wall or at point of use; Dimensions 11.5 x 8 x 3.75 inches
- Save Energy; EcoSmart tankless electric water heaters are 99% thermal energy efficient; Only heats water when called unlike a tank heater that maintains water temperature even when not being used.
It comes with self-modulating, tankless water heating technology for a variety of applications from homes of any size, offices, restaurants, or even recreational vehicles.
Cost: $280
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High Efficiency Saves Space | Limited Flow Rate |
Tankless Propane Water Heater
The Camplux 6L portable gas water heater is not only great for camping but with its oxygen depletion sensor protection, it can also be installed in well ventilated indoors.
Camplux Pro 1.58 GPM Tankless Propane Water Heater
- 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - 11.81(W)*5.12(D)*17.32(H) inches, 13 lbs lightweight portable water heater's folding handle keeps it out of the way and enables easy setup outside
- 𝟏.𝟓𝟖 𝐆𝐏𝐌 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 - 41,000 BTU/hour maximum output power allows for 1.58 gallons per minute of on demand hot water. The temperature raise is 122℉ at its highest point and 50℉ is at its lowest point. No need to preheat before operating the camping water heater
- 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Just connect water inlet and outlet, attach the propane tank, check for gas leaks, insert 2D batteries, set up in minutes. Use gaskets to prevent water leaks for better performance
The ignition uses two D-cell batteries, making it ideal for off-grid or other locations where electricity is not readily available.
Cost: $190
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact Lightweight Ease of Installation | Average Temperature Regulation |
Rinnai v75iP Propane Tankless Indoor Installation
It is a high-efficiency indoor tankless water heater with the most advanced technology, comfort, and value for money. It has a longer lifespan since water is heated on-demand only, which saves on energy costs.
Rinnai V75iP Propane Tankless, 7.5 GPM Hot Water Heater,
- Endless Hot Water: Our tankless hot water heaters let you enjoy unlimited hot water flow throughout the house with a compact and durable design that fits your home and lifestyle
- Energy and Space Efficient Tankless Gas Water Heater: This small hot water heater conserves energy, only heating when necessary; Enhanced scale detection lessens possibility of serious, long-term damage to unit
- Optimal Water Pressure: This tankless water heater offers a high-performance hot water flow rate up to 7.5 GPM for a powerful, constant stream that serves up to 5 appliances at once
Rinnai offers a 10-year warranty on heat exchangers and five years on other components.
Cost: $890
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Energy Efficient Longer Life Span | Requires Professional Installation |
Condensing Water Heaters
The NORITZ completely condensing tankless water heater has an innovative heat exchanger design and a built-in controller. It has a flow rate of up to 6.5 gallons per minute.
Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater
- Endless hot water
- Can be vented with Schedule 40 PVC Pipe and Fitting
- High Efficiency
The product comes with a 12-year warranty on the heat exchanger and a 5-year warranty on parts.
Cost: $1,585
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Energy Efficient Longer Life Span | Requires Professional Installation |
Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
A.O Smith offers an Ultra-Low NOx indoor model of natural gas tankless water heater that operates at a 0.94 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF).
This model can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills and may also qualify for additional energy efficiency rebates and tax credits in your local area.
Cost: $980
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High Energy Efficiency Longer Life Span | Requires Professional Installation |
Natural Gas Water Heater
A.O. Smith’s Signature 40-Gallon Short Low NOx Atmospheric Vent Natural Gas Water Heater is designed to offer efficient and dependable hot water for homes.
It has an electronic gas valve that regulates the temperature for optimal hot water supply without additional power. The LED status indicator incorporated in this design monitors and informs about the operational state of the system.
Cost: $530
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Foam Insulation Environmentally Friendly | Requires Professional Installation |
Tank Electric Water Heaters
A.O. Smith Signature 40-Gallon Short Double Element Electric Water Heater is an energy-efficient model that operates at a 0.92 Uniform Energy Factor.
Premium heating elements, anode rods, and fused ceramic tank shields safeguard the tank and prolong the life of the water heater.
Cost: $430
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Foam Insulation Environmentally Friendly | Higher Utility Bills |
Tankless Electric Water Heater
Eemax has developed a compact, resistant, stylish, and digitally controlled tankless electric water heater for an instant nonstop supply of hot water.
It requires a wall hanging, easy to install product, and claims to have 99.8% energy efficiency.
Cost: $400
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Foam Insulation Environmentally Friendly | Higher Utility Bills |
Factors To Consider When Buying Water Heater
The technology of water heaters has advanced significantly and the market is now filled with a wide variety of products.
Therefore, it is essential to educate yourself and know what features to look for when purchasing a water heater as a buyer.
So, before you reach the market to buy a new water heater, take your time to decide which type and size are best for your needs. Here are five basic factors to keep in mind to make an informed decision.
Warranty
Unlike any other equipment, always lookout for a product warranty of the water heater you are going to buy.
Product warranty guarantees quality and ensures that the buyer has legal rights to get the product exchanged in case of defects.
The more extended is the warranty period, the better. However, it is not advisable to invest excessively to get a prolonged warranty as you may opt for new technology after a few years.
Anti-Scale Devices
Anti-scale technology refers to a reduced rate of scale formation due to minerals in water and deposits build-up at the bottom of the water tank. This feature helps in increasing the lifespan of the equipment.
However, we must not invest much money in such fancy mechanisms as regular checks, and routine maintenance can ensure trouble-free prolonged service.
Brass vs. Plastic Drain Valves
Drain valves are located at the bottom to drain the water heater tank entirely for repair and maintenance reasons. Brass drain valves are preferred more as they can last longer in comparison to a plastic drain valve.
Glass-Lined Tanks
The interior of the water heater should ideally be lined with glass, which keeps the heat trapped inside the tank and prevents the steel outside from getting rusted.
So, while selecting the water heater, the buyer must ensure that the product has a glass lining.
Digital Displays
Modern water heaters come with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and digital displays. However, buying such products solely depends on your personal preferences and budget.
FAQs
How Do You Keep A Stock Tank From Freezing Without Electricity?
The water inside your stock tank can be easily prevented from freezing even without the use of electricity by preparing good insulation like insulated covers, plywood, polystyrene foam, etc.
Will Vinegar Keep Water From Freezing?
Vinegar’s composition is such that when combined with water, it lowers the freezing point of the water. So, vinegar can prevent water from freezing for a little longer time than normal.
What Liquid Does Not Freeze?
There is no liquid on the planet that doesn’t freeze. However, under some circumstances, a liquid may be cooled below its usual freezing point.
What Liquid Freezes Fastest?
Water is the fastest freezing liquid that freezes at 0°C, and the freezing point drops further with the addition of salt and sugar.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to ensure that the water in your stock tank is readily available for use, even in extremely cold weather conditions.
So, try out one of the ways described in this post and ensure nonstop water supply this chilled winter.
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