The traditional water heater system is also known as a tank water heater. As the name suggests, a tank water heater or a storage water heater uses a tank to store hot water. Tank water heaters come in a wide variety of sizes and their capacity usually ranges from 20-80 gallons.
A tank water heater uses energy round the clock to keep water in it at a desired temperature at all times. Once you have used all the hot water in your tank water heater, you must wait until hot water is available again.
A tankless water heater, on the other hand, does not retain water internally, except for what’s in the heat exchanger coil and instantly heats water as it flows through the unit. The mechanism allows a tankless water heater to supply hot water on demand.
Many homeowners wonder if they should opt for a tank or tankless heater. When choosing between the two options, consider different factors specific to your household such as household size and your hot water needs.
Here are some other factors to also consider when deciding between a tank and tankless heater.
Initial Cost
A tank water heater costs between $1,000 and $3,000, whereas a tankless heater can cost upwards of $5,000. When choosing a gas model, they tend to cost more than electric models.
If you want to replace a storage water heater with a tankless one, expect to pay more for installation, as retrofitting your system involves more work. In this process, your plumber might need to relocate piping and install gas lines if you decide to switch between fuel types.
Due to the high initial cost of tankless water heaters, many people that are looking for a more cost-effective solution tend to choose the traditional tank system to keep their water heater replacement on budget.
Equipment Life
A traditional tank water heater has a useful life of 10-15 years, whereas tankless water heaters last between 20 and 30 years on average. Some factors that can affect your unit’s lifespan are whether you follow your water heater’s maintenance schedule and the level of water hardness.
The Available Area for Installation
Tank water heaters use a tank. As a result, they are bulkier and need more space than their tankless counterparts. Tankless water heaters are more compact than traditional tank heaters and can be installed on walls, making them the ideal choice for small spaces.
Hot Water Usage
When you have a tank water heater, you must wait once you use all the hot water in it for the water to replenish. On the plus side, all the hot water in your heater is available for use at once, so you can, for example, do your dishes while someone else showers.
A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand. This limits the amount of hot water you home can utilize at once.
That is why if you regularly use more than one appliance or faucet at the same time in your home, it would be best to opt for a tank water heater.
Still not sure which water heater solution is right for your home? Talk to an expert today. Our team of professionals at Redwood Sewer & Drain have years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing different types of water heaters. To schedule a water heater replacement near you in Santa Rosa, call (707) 393-1959.