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Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank Water Heater: Which Should You Choose?

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Posted by admin on December 15, 2014

When you are looking for a new water heater, one of the first things you need to decide is what would be more suitable for your family: a tankless water heater vs. a tank water heater. Tankless water heaters use electricity or gas to warm water on demand. In comparison, tank water heaters preheat and store water for later use. Both options have distinct advantages and disadvantages in terms of convenience, cost, and efficiency.

Tankless Water Heater vs Tank Water Heater

Tankless Water Heater Pros

  • Tankless water heaters use anywhere between 19 and 34 percent less energy than tank heaters.
  • They are compact and can be installed indoors or out.
  • On average, they last for 20 years or more.
  • They can produce two to three gallons of hot water per minute on demand.
  • You have the ability to control water temperature.

Tankless Water Heater Cons

  • Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters to purchase and install.
  • It can be complicated to replace a tank water heater with a tankless heater due to the need for larger fuel lines, which can increase installation costs yet further. Improper installation can lead to freeze damage.
  • The limited amount of water a tankless heater can produce may make them an inappropriate choice for large families.

Tank Water Heater Pros

  • Tank water heaters usually have sufficient insulation to stop some heat loss, keeping water hot throughout the day.
  • Storage tanks can have a capacity of between 30 and 120 gallons, which means there is enough hot water ready at any time for even large families.
  • They cost less to purchase than tankless heaters and up to half the price to install, meaning they are also inexpensive to replace if something goes wrong.
  • Many models operate without the need for electricity.
  • You can choose from a variety of fuel options including gas, electricity, and oil as well as hybrids using solar power and heat pumps.

Tank Water Heater Cons

  • Tank water heaters offer less precise temperature control than tankless heaters.
  • It is essential that you choose the right size tank — too small and you may run out of hot water; too large, and you will waste energy heating water you do not need.
  • They must be installed indoors, and, as they are larger than tankless heaters, it can sometimes be difficult to find a suitable spot.
  • Their lifespan of 10 to 15 years is shorter than tankless heaters.
  • Unit failure can cause a leak or flood. You will need to take care of this damage before you can install a new water heater.

If you need more help choosing between a tankless water heater vs tank water heater, contact us at Climate Experts. We will ensure that you make the right decision according to your family’s needs.

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