You’re probably familiar with the two types of water heaters: the tank and the tankless. But are you facing problems in deciding the best for your home?
To help you decide, we’ve put together a guide on both types of heaters. We’ll start by discussing the difference between the tank and tankless water heaters, then move on to tankless water heaters. By the end, you should have a good idea of which type of water heater is best for you.
As you are aware that there are aces and drawbacks to both types of heaters, but to get the perfect piece of water heater for your home as per your specific needs is totally up to you.
Tank Water Heater – Introduction
Tank water heaters are the traditional water heaters that most people are familiar with. They store a set amount of hot water in a tank, which is then released when you turn on the tap. Because they store hot water, tank water heaters can take a little time to heat up new water, but they provide plenty of hot water for most households.
On the contrary, the tankless water heaters function to only heat up water as it’s needed. So if you’re taking a shower and someone else in the house turns on the faucet for a dishwasher or washing machine, the tankless heater will fire up and heat up more water very quickly to meet that demand.
Pros Of Tank Water Heaters
There are limitless benefits of tank water heaters. So, if you are deciding to get a water heater for domestic or commercial use, this blog post will help you decide.
- Low Installation Cost
You only step into the physical or online market sometimes to purchase a water heater. So, there are several things to note down when getting a tank water heater. The first thing to consider is the total installation cost of the heater. As compared to the tankless water heater, the installation cost of a tank water heater lies under $500.
- Less Maintenance Cost
Maintenance of the water heater is among the basic expenses of life. It is better to keep a closer eye on the working and cleaning of the heater. In comparison to the traditional water heater, the overall maintenance cost of the tank water heater is way too less.
- Lower Repair Cost
Home appliances like water heaters can survive for years with timely maintenance. Also, in any case, if there is any malfunctioning in the tank water heater, you don’t need to rob a bank for its repair. This is the reason why many people prefer getting these water heaters.
Cons Of Tank Water Heater
Every technology and appliance has benefits and drawbacks, and so does a water heater with a tank. It may promise lower maintenance and installation costs, but it also has some drawbacks:
- Occupies Too Much Space
As compared to the tankless water heater, the tank water heater occupies a significant amount of space. So, if you have restricted space in your home, this may not be a perfect option to go for. You must prefer a tankless one for your regular use.
- Smaller Life Span
Mostly the tank water heaters are made of steel which means they are more prone to rust and corrosion. This is why tank water heaters tend to have smaller life spans, even with proper repair and maintenance.
- Heavy On Utility Bills
While getting a water heater, there are several things that occupy your mind, and one of them is the impact of the water heater on your utility bill. The biggest drawback of getting a tank water heater is that is increases the utility bills.
Tankless Water Heater – Introduction
As per the name of the water heater, a tankless water heater, doesn’t have a tank. This type of water heater heats water on demand, as opposed to heating and storing water in a tank as a traditional water heater does.
This means that you’ll never have to stress out about running out of hot water since the system will only heat up as much as you need. It also takes up much less space than a traditional water heater, making it a great option if you’re limited in storage space.
Pros of Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are also known as smart water heaters. The idea of removing the water storage tank has made it even more sustainable for domestic use. Besides, there are several advantages that tankless water heaters have over tank water heaters.
- Occupy Less Space
The elimination of the tank has made the tankless water heaters fit in minimized spaces. In short, you can easily mount the tankless water heater on your wall, while a tank water heater needs to be installed in a closet or in the garage.
- Energy-Efficient
Operating a water heater may help you get rid of cold water, but it shows a significant change in your utility bill. Moreover, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient. They only heat the water as its needed, rather than constantly keeping a large tank of hot water heated up.
- Long-Lasting
Water heaters are one of the basic necessities of life. So, while getting water, it is important to get a sustainable water heater. Tankless water heaters tend to last longer. The typical lifespan of a tankless water heater is around 15 to 20 years, while a tank water heater sustains for just 10-15 years, and if you maintain them regularly, it can sustain for 5 to 10 years more.
Cons Of Tankless Water Heater
There is no doubt in the fact that tankless water heater has several benefits, but they also have some drawbacks as well. Let’s have a look at them:
- Costly
Being a smart and most in-demand water heater, tankless water heaters are a bit costly. It is because they come with various features like vacation mode and temperature-regulating facilities.
- Expensive Repair
Maintenance and repair are the primary rights of every electronic or home appliance. However, the overall repair of the tankless water heater can cost you too much. So, to avoid this expense, it is significant for you to maintain your water heater appropriately.
Costs of Operating a Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater
Now that you know the basics of how the tank and tankless water heaters work let’s take a look at the costs of operating each type of water heater.
Generally speaking, tank water heaters are less expensive to purchase upfront than tankless water heaters. However, tankless water heaters typically have lower operating costs. It is because that tankless water heater only heats water when you require it. However, the tank water heater continuously heats and reheats the water.
So, if you’re trying to save money in the long run, a tankless water heater is surely something you are opting for. That said, tankless water heaters do have a higher initial investment, so it’s important to factor that into your decision.
Consideration of tank vs. tankless heater
It’s not an easy verdict, and there are many factors to consider. Some of these factors are :
- Home size
- Number of people living in your home
- Everyday hot water requirement
All of these things will dictate which type of water heater is right for you.
If you have a small home and only a few people are living in it, you can get away with a tankless water heater. But for those with a larger family or many people using hot water simultaneously, you might need a tank water heater.
Another factor to consider is how much hot water you use on a daily basis. If you only consume a minimum amount of hot water each day, you can get away with a tankless water heater. But if you use much hot water—for instance, if live in a multi-family home—you might need a tank water heater.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a perfect water heater for your home exclusively depends on your particular requirements. If you use too much hot water, then a tank water heater is right for you. But if you don’t use much hot water or you don’t mind taking a little break between showers, a tankless water heater might be a better fit for your home.
Hopefully, the differences between tank and tankless water heater in his article has helped you make a decision about what kind of water heater is right for you. Remember to keep your specific needs in mind when making your choice, and don’t forget to consult a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
