This week’s showdown features the tank and tankless water heater, going head to head in a challenge of efficiency, cost, and the ability to keep up with your hot water demands. If you are in the market for a new water heater, now is the perfect time to weigh the advantages of each system in order to make an appropriate decision for your home.
Understanding the differences between tank and tankless water heaters can make a huge impact on your decision-making process, so brought these two systems into the arena to showcase their individual strengths, as well as their drawbacks, to help you make a well-informed decision. Of course, it is important to always consult with a professional for any plumbing installation in Athens, GA. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!
Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters, also known as storage water heaters, are typically the standard choice amongst homeowners. They store a supply of water in a tank and maintain it at a steady temperature. Fresh, cold water enters the bottom of the tank where it is heated and rises to the top to be used as requested. When a hot water tap is turned on, a circulator pump moves the heated water from the top of the tank into the plumbing system.
Advantages:
- Purchasing a tank water heater is quite affordable, as most models are inexpensive.
- Installing or replacing a tank water heater is simple.
- Tank water heaters can be powered by electricity, gas, or oil.
- Since hot water is continuously heated and stored, you can expect hot water right when you need it.
Disadvantages:
- Heat can escape through an uninsulated tank. This is called standby heat loss.
- If the demand is too high, you can run out of hot water.
- Storage tanks can be quite large and bulky depending on your household needs.
- You lack the ability to select precise water temperature settings.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as demand water heaters, deliver hot water to your home only when it is necessary. A tankless water heater heats water directly as it moves through the system without using a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, either a gas burner or an electric heating element begins to heat the water.
Advantages:
- You will never run out of hot water since it is heated on demand.
- The risk of standby heat loss is eliminated.
- Without a tank, tankless water heaters provide greater space savings.
- Tankless water heaters are super efficient.
- You have the ability to select precise temperature settings.
Disadvantages:
- Tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase.
- Installation can be costly and complicated.
- Most models require electricity, which can be very expensive depending on where you live.
- Tankless systems require a minimum amount of hot water flow.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Once you have decided which water heater is best for your home, a professional plumber will properly size and install it to meet your home’s specific needs.
