When the time comes to consider either a conventional (tanked) or tankless heater choice for your residence, it will affect you in ways that make a substantial difference in your comfort and your home’s energy usage. You may also see a difference in your gas or electric bill. We’ve listed some advantages and disadvantages of both water heaters so you can make a well-educated decision.
What Is a Tanked Water Heater?
Tanked water heaters are the most common type of water heater in homes. These heaters heat and store between 30 and 80 gallons of water in an isolated tank, constantly keeping it heated to a pre-set temperature. This is a great benefit, as it will be able to supply hot water whenever needed, but it also means that the heater is always operating, keeping the water in readiness for use.
How It Works
A tanked water heater heats water using either an electric heating element or a gas burner. When hot water leaves from the top, cold water enters the bottom, where it reheats. There is a delay that occurs whenever the amount of hot water in the tank is gone and the tank needs to refill. It takes time to make that tank of water hot again.
Advantages
Initial Costs Are Less
These tanked water heaters normally cost less to purchase and install than tankless water heaters. Especially when replacing an existing unit, the installation is easy.
High Flow Rate
Thanks to their flow rate, these heaters dispense a lot of heated water in a very short time. A tankless water heater, being the alternative, does provide endless hot water, but there is a delay if there are several people using the hot water at once, whereas there is no delay with a tanked water heater until it runs out.
Operation in Power Failures
Gas conventional models keep water hot even if the electricity goes out, which is a huge benefit if there is a storm or power outage.
Considerations
Because the water always needs to reheat, standby heat loss causes greater utility costs. Tanked heaters are large and very bulky. Many require quite a bit of space in a basement or utility room. They should last around 8 to 12 years and will likely need replacing afterward. Common problems include corroding tanks.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
A more modern alternative is the tankless water heater, sometimes called an on-demand water heater. Rather than keeping hot water in a tank, it warms the water as it flows through the heating elements on its way to a faucet or shower. This water heater provides a constant supply of hot water whenever you need it. Of course, in keeping with its name, a tankless water heater doesn’t hold any water and is much smaller. A tankless unit is also considerably more energy-efficient than a tank water heater.
How It Works
When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water goes into the tankless unit through a pipe, heats by either a gas burner or an electric element, and instantly flows hot. This is a great way to save energy as there is no need to store and heat water for later. This type of water heater tends to save more energy, especially in a home with low hot water usage.
Advantages
Energy Efficiency
The tankless water heater is more energy-efficient compared to traditional tanked models, especially in a home that consumes less than 41 gallons in a day.
Continuous Supply of Hot Water
The tankless water heater provides hot water any time needed, unlike its tanked counterpart, which is best for big families or homes with high hot water usage, which is best for homes with high consumption of water at once.
Compact Design
Tankless water heaters save space and mount on walls, leaving the floor much cleaner and allowing for more usable space. Our team at Northern Air Plumbing & Heating installs them in almost any location in a home, even closets or other utility points.
Longer Lifespan
Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance. This is sometimes twice the average lifespan of tanked models.
Considerations
While offering plenty of other benefits, tankless water heaters are up there in price. The upfront purchase price is high, and the installation might easily demand a large amount of retrofitting—especially considering that it might be necessary to bring your home’s plumbing and electrical system up to date in order to accommodate the new unit. While tankless heaters supply endless hot water, they don’t easily meet simultaneous high demands in larger households where there are multiple units.
Comparison of Tanked and Tankless Water Heaters
Installation Costs
During a tanked vs. tankless water heater installation, the tanked water heater is much cheaper. Sometimes the installation of a tankless water heater is even double the cost of a conventional water heater. This is because most homes already have everything needed to hook up a conventional water heater, as that is the standard.
Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than tanked water heaters because there is no need to hold and continuously heat water for use.
Space Requirements
A tanked water heater requires much more space than a tankless water heater. While there may need to be alterations made to your home to accommodate a tankless water heater, it is much easier to find a space to put them.
Longevity and Maintenance
A standard water heater may last between eight and 12 years, and care is related to the routine flushing of tanks to rid them of sediment buildups. Tanks can corrode over time and cause leaking, so tanks may sometimes need replacing.
The tankless options are a system that can last for 20 years or more with proper maintenance. System maintenance usually consists of descaling and flushing nowadays because hard water areas will likely be victims of a mineral deposit, which in effect reduces the efficiency and lifespan of a unit.
Which Water Heater Is Best for You?
That final decision lies within your specifications, budget, and home layout. Although the cost of the heater itself is higher upfront, if you require a lot of hot water, don’t care about a lower flow rate, and have limited space available, then a tankless water heater is the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something affordable with a higher flow rate at the start, a tanked water heater might work out better, especially if you’ve got ample available space.
Both tank and tankless heaters have their advantages and drawbacks, but knowing these key differences will help you make a knowledgeable decision—one that best meets your needs and greatest comfort.
At Northern Air Plumbing & Heating in Aitkin, MN, we provide sump pumps, water softeners, and plumbing repair services for homes in the area. Our friendly team also provides heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality services. Contact Northern Air Plumbing & Heating for more information today!
Tags: Plumbing, water heater