When providing hot water for your home, the choice between tankless and tank water heaters can impact your home, utility bills, and overall comfort. Each type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. You will want to understand these differences to make the best decision for your home and family. Here is what you need to know about tankless vs. traditional water heaters.
What to Know About Traditional Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are popular due to their reliability and familiarity. They work by heating a large volume of water. That warm water is stored in a tank until it is needed. As long as there is water in the tank, you and your family will have access to the hot water that you need.
When choosing a traditional water heater, consider its capacity and flow rate. The capacity of a tank water heater is measured in gallons. That determines how much hot water the unit can store and supply. Your capacity should be based on household size and hot water usage patterns. If you have a large family or use hot water for laundry, dishes, and showers, you may need a tank with a higher capacity.
Traditional water heaters are easier and less expensive to install compared to their tankless counterparts. The installation involves connecting the unit to the water supply and power source. That should be a pretty easy task for a qualified plumber. However, keep in mind that the cost of the unit itself can vary depending on the size, brand, and features.
Traditional tank water heaters are known for standby heat loss. That happens when the water in the tank loses heat over time. This process can result in energy wastage, especially if the heater maintains a high temperature even when hot water is not used. To improve energy efficiency, you may want to consider a tank water heater with higher insulation. Today, you can often find models on the market with an energy-saving mode. With that, you will not have to worry about any wasted hot water.
Typically, the lifespan of a tank water heater is 10 to 15 years. Maintenance can extend the unit’s life. During these visits, a professional will flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. You can help boost the traditional water tank’s performance and longevity by scheduling regular maintenance. However, as the unit ages, it may become less efficient and require more frequent repairs.
What to Know About Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are becoming popular due to their numerous benefits. One of the main advantages of tankless water heaters is their ability to provide an endless supply of hot water.
This means you do not have to worry about running out of hot water, especially if you have a large family or high hot water demands. With a tankless water heater, you can enjoy a continuous supply without any waiting time.
Another benefit of tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. Unlike the traditional tank water heaters, these heaters only heat water when needed. As a result, this eliminates standby heat loss. That process makes tankless water heaters more energy efficient. In turn, you have lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills over time.
Tankless water heaters are also designed to be space-saving. They are compact and can be installed in closets and under sinks. This installation flexibility is beneficial for homes with limited space. Additionally, these water heaters are designed to last longer than traditional tank water heaters. Conventional water heaters can last for 10 to 15 years, but tankless varieties have a lifespan of 20 years or more.
Tankless water heaters may have a higher upfront cost than tank water heaters. However, they can be more cost-effective in the long run due to lower energy consumption. Keep in mind that their installation costs may be higher, especially if you need modifications to the gas or electrical systems.
How to Choose the Right Type for Your Home
When choosing an option for your home, you will want to factor in the size of your family and the frequency of hot water usage. For example, a tankless water heater might be a better fit for your needs if you have a big family that uses a large amount of water simultaneously.
A tankless water heater heats water on demand, providing an endless hot water supply as needed. On the other hand, if your hot water demands are moderate and spaced throughout the day, a tank water heater could work for your home.
Energy efficiency is another factor to consider when choosing between a tankless and a tank water heater. If reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills are priorities for you, a tankless water heater is a more energy-efficient option. However, you will want to weigh the upfront costs and potential long-term savings based on your usage patterns.
Installation constraints are also a factor when choosing between a tankless and a tank water heater. You might want to assess the space available in your home and the feasibility of installation. Tankless units are compact and can be placed in various locations. As a result, they have greater flexibility compared to tank water heaters. Also, they can be installed indoors or outdoors, depending on the model you choose.
Like most homeowners, your budget plays a role in the decision-making process. While tankless water heaters may have a higher upfront cost, they can potentially increase home value. Additionally, tankless water heaters tend to have a longer lifespan than tank water heaters, providing additional cost savings in the long run.
When it comes to choosing between tankless and tank water heaters, getting help from a qualified professional can enhance your decision-making process. By analyzing your household size, usage patterns, and specific requirements, they can recommend a water heating solution tailored to your unique circumstances.
These professionals have experience evaluating the energy efficiency of different water heater models. They can explain the differences in energy ratings so that you know the long-term impact on your utility bills.
Building codes and regulations related to water heater installations vary by region. Professionals understand these local requirements and can make sure that your chosen water heater meets all safety standards and compliance obligations. This helps avoid potential issues during installation.
Finally, these professionals often know about local incentives and rebates for energy-efficient appliances. They can provide information on potential financial incentives that may influence your decision. Taking advantage of these programs can lead to cost savings. Along with that, they can contribute to your overall satisfaction with the chosen water heating system.
At A/C Doctors, we can help determine which water heating option works best for your home. Along with heating and cooling services, we specialize in professional installation, repair, and maintenance services for both tankless and traditional water heaters. We also address plumbing concerns, including drains and sewers. Contact A/C Doctors to help find the right water heater solution for your Gilbert, AZ, home.
