Choosing between a traditional water heater with a storage tank and a tankless water heater is something you’ll probably face at some point. After all, water heaters are the cornerstone for a dependable source of hot water. And since your plumbing fixtures and home appliances rely on this hot water, it’s always important to carefully compare your options.
This handy guide from the local experts at Central Heating & Plumbing lays out tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the distinct elements in their design as well as some benefits and drawbacks of each type. These key details will help you make an educated choice regarding your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve made your decision, give us a call for professional tank water heater installation.
Storage Tank Water Heaters: A Time-Tested Favorite
Let's take a closer look at conventional storage tank water heaters first. That ample storage tank is the key feature here, holding onto an ample supply of water that’s constantly heated. The moment you need hot water, a tank water heater is ready to supply it.
Pros:
- Lower Initial Costs: Tank water heaters will have smaller expenses for installation, thanks to their less complex design.
- Easier Maintenance: This simpler design also leads to less potential maintenance needs.
Cons:
- Continuous Energy Use: Tank water heaters must keep water constantly heated, which means extra cost if you’re not frequently using that water.
- Bulky Size: The tank itself is sometimes a hurdle in smaller spaces. If your home doesn’t have a basement or utility closet, installation becomes a bit trickier.
Tankless Water Heaters: Efficient and Innovative
Now, let's explore tankless water heaters, an advanced alternative that’s comparatively recent. Distinct from tank models, tankless water heaters operate only as required. They’re heating up water only when requested, using powerful heating elements as the water comes through the system.
Pros:
- Greater Energy Savings: Tankless models can improve your plumbing’s energy efficiency since they’re not always on.
- A Smart, Resilient Design: With regular maintenance from a skilled professional, tankless water heaters can boast a longer life span.
Cons:
- Larger Initial Investment: Initial installation costs are higher as a result of the more complex design.
- Higher Service Needs: Tankless models may require more periodic maintenance to keep their key elements in sync.
- Retrofitting Challenges: Older homes aren't always prepared for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can adapt your plumbing to accommodate one, but it could add further costs to your installation project.
Choosing the Right Water Heater: Tailored to Your Comfort
For a majority of homeowners, we’d suggest the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters provide. But this is based on variables like how much hot water you go through every day. You should reflect on your specific hot water needs before you make your selection.
- Typical Hot Water Use: Estimate how much hot water your household consumes on average. For instance, big families who are active in sports or have pets usually need significantly more hot water than a single person living alone.
- Sufficient Space to Install It: The size of your home can impact how well a water heater operates. Check out potential installation locations and consult with professionals if your model is the right fit.
- Regional Climate: Long winters mean much higher energy use that time of year. This isn’t ideal for tankless models, which are better in situations when there won’t be any large fluctuations in water usage.
- Energy Prices: Your local fuel or electricity costs can make one option more appealing over the other.
Don’t forget, a trained professional like those at Central Heating & Plumbing can assist you in making a more informed decision. They understand which brands meet your specific needs before facilitating a smoother installation process.
Get a Quote from Central Heating & Plumbing
If you're ready to make the switch to a tankless water heater in New Castle, why not call Central Heating & Plumbing for a complimentary quote? Our professional plumbing technicians can provide the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 724-401-1843.