The Difference Between Tankless Water Heaters and Storage Tank Water Heaters
Never rush the purchase of a water heater, as this is an investment in your home, one that will last a decade or more. When purchasing the appliance, consider the efficiency and longevity of various models and the price. Consider both a storage-tank water heater and a tankless water heater, as each style has advantages and disadvantages.
Tankless Water Heaters
Often referred to as on-demand water heaters, tankless appliances rapidly heat water running through a heat exchanger with the help of high-powered burners. Energy loss concerns are eliminated because the appliance only heats water when needed. Most tankless units run on electricity or gas.
The Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
An on-demand water heater offers outstanding energy efficiency. Homes using less than 41 gallons of water daily see 24% to 34% more energy efficiency while homes using 86 gallons of water daily see an additional eight to 14% increase in energy efficiency. Save money by moving to this style of water heater. The United States Department of Energy states that moving to a tankless gas water heater could save a homeowner $100 or more yearly. Choose an electric tankless model and save approximately $44 each year.
Tankless water heaters cost more at the time of purchase, but last considerably longer than their tank counterparts. A water heater with no tank lasts 20 years or more, adding to the overall cost savings. Tankless water heaters also take up less space in the home. A licensed plumber from Milestone can install a tankless water heater on a wall in your residence. We may also install the unit outside if this is what the homeowner prefers.
These water heaters provide hot water on demand. This means that you will not need to wait for the storage tank to heat the water and deliver it to the fixture. The heating of the water takes place immediately, providing greater convenience and ease of use.
The Drawbacks of a Tankless Water Heater
Replacing a conventional water heater with a tankless model may require retrofitting the home. This retrofitting adds to the cost of the project. Consider this when determining which model to purchase. Furthermore, work with a licensed plumber to find the right tankless model for your home. If the unit is too small, hot water will not be available on demand. The appliance will not be able to keep up with the household needs. Our team at Milestone can help you find the right unit for your home.
Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters remain the most common option today. An insulated tank heats water and stores the water until someone turns a fixture on in the home. The plumbing system then delivers the heated water to the desired location.
The Benefits of Tank Water Heaters
As with a tankless model, a storage-tank water heater typically runs on electricity or natural gas. Natural gas versions use significantly less energy than their electric counterparts and cost less to operate. Nevertheless, they come with a higher price tag at the time of purchase.
Regardless of whether a person chooses a gas or electric tank water heater, the initial purchase price remains significantly lower than the price of a tankless model. In addition, repair and maintenance costs are less with a tank model.
The Drawbacks of Storage-Tank Models
A homeowner must replace their tank water heater after 10 to 15 years. In addition, they run the risk of having the tank fail and spill water throughout the home. Eliminate this concern by moving to a tankless version, as it does not store water. Utility bills are higher when a household uses a water heater with a tank. The appliance heats the water and stores it. As the water temperature decreases because of energy loss, the water heater repeats the process. This repetitive action leads to higher energy bills.
A conventional water heater requires more space in the home. A plumber cannot install this unit outside. It needs to be situated in a climate-controlled area to reduce energy loss. With a tank unit, hot water may also run out if multiple people use it at the same time. A family member may find they must take a cold shower because the hot water in the tank is depleted.
Turn to the Professional Plumbers at Milestone
Both tankless and tank water heaters have their advantages and disadvantages. The decision ultimately depends on a homeowner’s specific needs and preferences. At Milestone, we offer a wide range of water heater options and expert installation and maintenance services to help homeowners make the best choice for their homes. Our team can help you learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of a tankless water heater versus a tank model and provide all the water heater services you need.
For more information about tankless and tank water heaters, don’t hesitate to reach out! Call us at (214) 267-2405 or (817) 267-2405 or contact us online today.
