What is the Difference Between Tankless and Tank Water Heaters

If you are interested in having a hot water heater installed, you may be wondering which type to get. With both tankless hot water heaters and tank water heaters available, it can be difficult to determine which will best suit your needs. Let’s discuss the differences between the two types of hot water heaters.

Tankless & Tank Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters heat water with a natural gas burner or an electric element. These hot water heaters are designed to heat up on demand. Once you turn on your faucet, cold water flows into a heat exchanger and begins to heat up.

Tank water heaters, also known as traditional water heaters, are crafted with a storage tank. Water is heated inside the storage tank and is held until needed.

Pros & Cons of Each Hot Water Heater

There are reasons why some homeowners gravitate towards tank hot water heaters while others prefer tankless water heaters. Each type of hot water heater has its own advantages and disadvantages. The key is to determine which one best aligns with your needs and budget.

Traditional tank water heaters have stood the test of time and are a classic solution to your hot water needs. Some of the benefits of tank water heaters include:

• Reliability. The heated water is stored in the tank for future use. You don’t need to worry about dealing with a heat exchange system. The water is already hot and can be used at any time with its reliable storage system.
• Affordability. Tank water heaters are available at a lower starting cost than tankless water heaters.
• Easy Maintenance. Traditional tank water heaters are highly regarded for being easy to maintain. These hot water heaters only require low maintenance care.

However, if you are looking for a more innovative hot water system that may save you money, you should consider having a tankless water heater installed in your home. Some of the advantages of tankless water heaters include:

• Life expectancy. The average life expectancy of a tankless water heater is 20+ years, which is much more than a tank water heater. Most tank water heaters have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
• Cost-effectiveness. Tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront compared to tank water heaters. However, that shouldn’t steer you away from them. Tankless water heaters can help save you money over time—they are cheaper to operate than tank water heaters, so they can save you money in utility costs.
• Low-profile designs. Without a hefty tank in the way, tankless heaters occupy much less space in your home.
• Energy-consciousness. Tankless water heaters are an eco-friendlier solution for energy-conscious homeowners.

Learn More

Contact The Plumber Guy today to request service and learn more about the difference between tankless and tank water heaters. As a licensed plumber with over 20 years of experience, we can answer any questions you may have about water heaters and help you determine which type of water heater will best meet your needs.