Do you need water heater replacement? If your heater stopped working suddenly or it's just time to buy a new one, you have plenty of choices. Many homeowners who have conventional tank water heaters might consider upgrading to a tankless water heater. While tankless water heaters have numerous benefits, it's not always the right choice for every homeowners. Check out the differences between the two water heating systems to decide which on is right for you.
Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters are still very popular today. In fact, most homes have this type of water heating system because the upfront costs to buy and install are more economical than tankless, solar, hybrid systems. Also, tank water heaters get the job done.
Tank water heaters are powered by electricity or gas, depending on the home. They work well for large families because they can hold 40 - 100 gallons of water. With proper maintenance they're also very reliable, lasting up to 10 years or more.
As reliable as tank water heaters are, they do have their drawbacks. The biggest drawback being that they are huge energy hogs. The reason for this is that they consistently heat the water in the tank at intervals throughout the day, whether water is being used or not. Of course, if the water in tank wasn't heated, it wouldn't be hot when you're ready to use it. Since water heaters contribute to 20% of a home's energy usage, you can imagine how this affects one's electric or gas bill.
Another drawback of tank water heaters is space. For homes tight on space, tank water heaters don't always make sense. If the heater doesn't have the recommended clearance, the unit becomes prone to damage and also creates a fire risk (in the case of gas-powered water heaters).
Tankless Water Heaters
Does this mean tankless water heaters are the better solution? If you're looking to upgrade from a conventional water heater to a tankless model, maybe. But, again, you have to consider your personal situation.
For starters, tankless water heaters do cost more money on the front-end. Over the years, tankless heaters have come down in price, so stick shock isn't as bad. However, if you have a tight budget and weren't planning on water heater replacement, you might want to stick with a tank heater.
If your budget does have room to upgrade, tankless water heaters offer the following benefits:
- On-demand heating: This is very important difference between tank and tankless heaters. Water doesn't stay in the tank and heat throughout the day. It pulls waters when you turn on the faucet or shower head and heats right then and there.
- Energy savings: Because the water doesn't heat all day tankless heaters don't use nearly as much energy. So, while you pay more for the heater, you save a lot in the long run.
- Great for tight spaces: If you have limited space for a water heater, tankless heaters are the way to go.
To determine which water heater is best for you, contact a local plumber for professional water heater services.
