A Tale of Two Water Heaters: Tank and Tankless

A functioning water heater is an essential part of your plumbing system, as it provides you with hot water for all your cleaning needs. If your water heater has been malfunctioning or is on the brink of breakdown, now’s the time to start doing some window shopping. When considering what type of water heater will fulfill your home’s needs, you have two main options to choose from: a traditional tank water heater and a tankless water heater. Which one is right for you? Find out by reading more below. 

Tank

Unless you’ve recently upgraded your plumbing system, your current water heater is probably a traditional tank water heater, as this is the most common type. Traditional water heaters are also referred to as standard storage water heaters because they store water in a massive tank, which is sized according to a family’s needs. A thermometer installed in the water heater constantly measures the temperature of the water to ensure that it does not fall below the temperature selected on the water heater’s thermostat. If the water temperature is too cold, the heating mechanism will turn on and quickly heat the water up.

Standard storage water heaters are usually fueled by natural gas or electricity. Electric models are cheaper to install but could cost more to operate in the long run. Contrastingly, natural gas models are slightly more expensive to install but are about twice as efficient, which can save homeowners a lot of money. 

Modern traditional water heaters are considered to be incredibly reliable appliances. Combined with the low installation and maintenance cost, these benefits alone are enough to steer homeowners towards choosing a traditional tank installation to replace their current water heater. 

Tankless

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, offer some of the most advanced technology on the market, which allows them to provide endless hot water. These devices rapidly heat water through a complicated series of coils before delivering it to the faucet. Water doesn’t need to be stored in a hefty container because it is used as soon as it is heated. This efficient process allows tankless water heaters to use less energy and waste less water than their traditional counterparts. 

Because these models are more advanced and efficient, they cost a pretty penny to install and repair, which is why we’re always stressing the importance of routine maintenance. However, owning a tankless water heater in your home offers you endless advantages. You can save thousands of dollars on your heating bills because your tankless water heater won’t constantly be running to heat water that won’t be used anytime soon. The lifespan of a tankless water heater is almost double that of a standard storage tank if properly cared for. You’ll also enjoy cleaner water due to the fact that hard water won’t sit in the appliance for hours on end and cause sediment to build up. 

Don’t put off your traditional or tankless water heater replacement any longer. It’s better to install a new water heater before your old one completely breaks down, so you’re not left stranded without hot water. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.