Tank Vs Tankless Water Heaters

Tank vs. tankless water heaters? This has been an ongoing issue for builders and homeowners alike. Although tankless water heaters are all the rage right now, many people still claim that storage hot water heaters are better. This article will help clarify the tank vs. tankless water heater battle.

Tank Water Heater 

One of the advantages of using tank hot water heaters is that they are electricity and/or gas efficient. Manufacturers of tankless heaters boast of energy-efficiency, but the truth is, the energy efficiency of both types are almost equal. Additionally, installation of tank heaters is more cost effective compared to installing a new tankless system. The average installation cost of a tank water heater is $800 compared to the $2000 installation cost for a tankless water heater.

However, there is one major disadvantage that using a tank water heater has. Unlike with the tankless water heater, hot water in storage tanks will run empty and can take about 45 minutes to refill and heat up.

tank water heater

Other Pros of Tank Water Heater

• it requires minimal upfront cost
• easiest to install and replace compared to all water heater types
• some tank water heater models do not even require electricity to run
• a wide variety of choices when it comes to fuel
• can be placed in any area at home
• compatible with hot water recirculating systems

Other Cons of Tank Water Heater

• water loses heat on standby
• can possibly run out of water
• tanks are bulky and heavy
• higher whole-life cost
• temperature control is not always exact

Tankless Water Heater

The best thing about a tankless water heater is that it can be a “bottomless” hot water source, that is, assuming there will never be a power or mechanical failure. Another advantage of using this type of water heater is that it requires no waiting time before another person can take a shower. This is a big deal if you have a number of family members taking a shower at the same time.

a tankless water heater

Nevertheless, like with a tank water heater, using a tankless model also has its disadvantages. First, it can be very complicated to install and replace. Moreover, unlike a tank heater, using a tankless water heater with a recirculating system is tricky and can result to a compromised warranty.

Tank vs. Tankless: Which is the Better Choice?

So, which is better: tankless or tank water heater? Both have their own good qualities and also a number of bad ones; but, choosing the better of the two depends on your location, the situation and your actual needs. For instance, if you have a big family, you might need to have a couple of tankless heaters than rely on a single tank water heater that may run out of supply. Furthermore, some areas charge higher utility cost, so you may want to consider which is the most affordable choice for you.

Weigh the qualities of both water heater types and consider your options. This way, you will be able to determine which water heater works best for you: is it the tank or tankless?