To Tank or Not to Tank: What to Know about Water Heaters
The most apparent and significant advantages of storage water heaters is reliability.
Homeowners striving to purchase practical and efficient home appliance considers the cost of the appliance. Water heaters fall into this category, offering two main types: tank water heaters and tankless water heaters.
Of the two, tankless water heaters will prove to be the more inexpensive to operate from day to day. However, when buying something as permanent as a water heater, money is just one of many factors to consider. Tankless water heaters may save a client money compared to traditional water heaters, but does the cost-saving element sufficiently justify choosing tankless over traditional?
For anyone uncertain about the type of water heater best suited to their needs, read on! We offer a comprehensive list of pros and cons for both storage and tankless water heaters, providing valuable insights to help clients make informed decisions on the best water heater for their homes.
Tank Water Heaters
Pros
The most apparent and significant advantages of storage water heaters is reliability. Unlike their tankless counterparts that generate water on demand, storage water heaters can store numerous gallons of water, ready for use when needed.
This attribute becomes extremely beneficial during emergency situations. Unlike tankless water heaters that require electricity to produce hot water, a storage water heater can dispense the hot water stored within it, even during a power outage. Making storage water heaters a superior choice in emergency circumstances.
Additionally, storage water heaters don’t require an upgrade in the vent pipe or gas pipe to be installed, eliminating the need for expensive additional work.
Cons
As mentioned before, storage water heater can take up an entire closet, making them inconvenient for a home with limited space.
In addition to their size, the lifespan of storage water heaters proves to be a drawback when compared to tankless heaters. Storage tank units have a considerably shorter lifespan, making them less desirable for the "set it and forget it" type of homeowner.
Their daily operation also costs more due to their storage design. To keep the stored hot water warm, a storage unit must continually provide a heat source, consuming electricity or gas. This constant usage can increase the heating or gas bill, a cost that a tankless water heater avoids.
Tankless Water Heaters
Pros
Tankless water heaters do not store water, therefore, they don’t cost as much to operate as storage types, due they don’t continuously heat the water. However this does not mean there is a delay for hot water to build up before using it. Tankless water heaters, also referred to as “demand-type water heaters,” generate hot water the moment it is needed, eliminating the waiting period for hot water and extra cost to heat stored water.
Tankless water heaters last longer when compared to Tank heaters If a homeowner seeks a dependable appliance that can offer savings in every possible way, then a tankless water heater is an excellent choice.
Cons
The most significant drawback with tankless water heaters is the upfront cost to purchase and install it. Installing a tankless water heater incurs more costs compared to the storage unit, due to the potential need for a new ventilation system. The water heater unit itself may also be considerably more expensive than a storage unit. It is recommended that homeowners have a plumbing professional come and inspect the home to understand what may be required for a tankless water heater installation.
Furthermore, as tankless units do not store water, they can not provide hot water during a power outage. This limitation can present a problem in the event of any disruption to electricity
Lastly, tankless water heaters have a limit on simultaneous faucet usage due to the “hot water on demand” design. While they produce hot water quickly, they are restricted by the amount that can be generated at once. For homes that regularly use multiple faucets at the same time a tankless water heater may not be the best choice.
The Bottom Line
Every home requires hot water, with two options for how to supply it: a standard or tankless water heater. The decision on which type to choose depends on an individual's needs and expectations.
Simba Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing services to Phoenix and surrounding areas. We are family-owned, meticulous and provide affordable, transparent pricing. Call us at 602-962-3537.
