Are you tired of having to replace your water heater every season? Are the skyrocketing energy bills a cause of stress for you? Choosing the right water heater can make all the difference. We understand that choosing the best water heater for home from so many options can be intimidating for you. That is why Priscilla Plumbing is here to break down the pros and cons of different types of water heaters including tank vs tankless, making it easier for you to decide.
Different Types of Water Heaters
Take a look at the different water heater types and their specific functions:
Storage Tank Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters are the traditional, most common type of water heaters. These heaters store hot water in large tanks and can operate on both electricity and gas. They usually have a large reservoir of 30-50 gallons of water.
Water is stored and heated in these tanks, and is drawn from these tanks wherever hot water is needed. The tank then refills and reheats to make sure there is a steady supply of water.
Pros
- Can operate on both electricity and gas
- Usually inexpensive with lower upfront costs
- A high flow rate so you can use it for multiple purposes at the same time
- Are available in a variety of sizes
- Suitable for all types of climates
- Lower maintenance and plumber services cost
Cons
- They have an Energy Factor (EF) rating of around 0.67, making them less energy-efficient
- Limited supply of hot water for extended periods
- Require more space due to the large size of tanks
- Shorter lifespans but with proper maintenance, they can last longer
Tankless Water Heaters
Modern tankless water heaters, also known as instant water heaters, do not have a storage tank. They heat water instantly whenever it is needed through the heating elements. Instead of storing water, they have high-powered burners that heat water as it flows through the unit, providing an endless water supply. These tankless water heaters are ideal to be installed in homes with a high demand for water heaters. Understanding tankless water heaters and how they work is not enough to see if they are suitable for your home. Let’s go through some pros and cons:
Pros
- Continuous hot water supply for as long as needed
- Energy-efficient, reducing energy usage by 20 to 30%
- Saves space and can be wall-mounted
- Longer lifespan as compared to storage tank water heaters
- Less chances of water leaks
Cons
- More expensive with higher upfront costs
- Higher maintenance costs
- Multiple units are needed for adequate water supply
- Limited hot water rate
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Water Heater
Both the traditional storage tank heater and tankless heater have their advantages and disadvantages, but it is up to you to decide which one suits you best depending on your preferences and needs.
If you’re still confused about choosing the best water heater, consider these questions before making a decision:
- What is the water heater’s energy efficiency rating (EF)?
- What are the estimated operating costs?
- How many people will the water heater serve easily?
- Do you need a tankless or storage tank model?
- What is the available space for the water heater?
- Are replacement parts easily available?
- What are the maintenance requirements and costs?
- What is your overall budget for the water heater?
Do your thorough research before choosing as you do not want to be facing any more water heater issues.
Perfect Water Heating Solutions at Priscilla Plumbing
While selecting a new water heater is a daunting task, at Priscilla Plumbing we try to make it as easy as we can. As reliable experts in the industry, we provide you with a high-performance water heating system that is cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Our team delivers top-notch water heater replacement services. With our personalized solutions, rapid response in case of unexpected failures, and upfront pricing, we address all your problems so that you can enjoy unparalleled service.
Get a free quote now!
