Tankless Hot Water Heaters vs. Tank Water Heaters: The Great Debate
Nothing wakes you up faster than the chilling realization that your hot water is fading, and it’s fading fast. If you come from a large family (or a small family of people who love long showers), you’ll remember rushing to the bathroom in an attempt to be the first to grab a hot shower. You’ll also remember your siblings pounding on the door, accusing you of using all the hot water. If you were the hapless morning straggler, you were lucky if you could squeeze even a few drops of lukewarm water out of the faucet. Like any industry, the Hot Water Heater business had to innovate its typical design to accommodate the modern family. Enter, the Tankless vs. Tank Storage Hot Water Heater Debate. It’s the perfect example of long term vs. short term costs.
Tank Storage Water Heaters are less expensive to purchase but are less energy efficient and will cost you more to operate than a Gas or Electric Tankless Water Heater. Tankless Water Heaters are more energy efficient, but they rely upon fuel and electricity to keep them running, the costs of which vary somewhat unpredictably. So, which is better for you and your family? Read more to find out!
Tank Storage Water Heaters
Tank Storage Water Heaters are currently the most popular water heater model on the market. However, their less cumbersome counterpart, the Tankless Water Heater, is gaining traction in the race to take residence in your home. Water heaters with tanks typically have a capacity of 20 to 60 gallons, but they average out around 50 gallons. This means that there is always 50 gallons of hot water ready and waiting to pour into your sink or bathtub at any moment.
It’s a simple design with simple problems: Where there is a tank, there is a higher possibility of leakage. Leaks often happen when there’s damage to the temperature valve, or there’s excessive pressure in the tank. Even a small amount of water can lead to major damage to your floors, lowering the safety and value of your home. And while we’ve all had the thrilling experience of shoving pots, pans and tubs under the leaks, catching the water is a temporary solution to a much larger problem.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters differ from ones with tanks with one simple modification: They do not hold water. These water heaters heat cold water as it comes down the pipe and into the unit. This makes heating water a more energy efficient process and will ultimately cut down the cost of your energy bills. There are two types of tankless water heaters: Gas and Electric.
Gas
Gas tankless water heaters are powerful mechanisms that heat your water as it flows into the unit. They were one of the first options after the inventions of tank storage water heaters. Because they are powered by burning either natural gas or propane, these water heaters are relatively versatile. The price of operation depends on the amount of gas used and the cost of gas prices.
There are pros and cons to any water heating venture. Water heaters that use gas have an energy factor of less than 85% and contribute greenhouse gas emissions. Regardless, they are still more energy efficient than tank storage water heaters, and they perform similarly to electric tankless water heaters. And because the cost of gas is currently lower than the cost of electricity, they are less expensive to operate than their tankless counterparts.
Electric
Electric Tankless Water Heaters, also known as “Demand-Type” water heaters, or “Electric Demand” water heaters, are built completely differently than the gas model. They operate at 98% efficiency and can provide from 3-8 gallons per minute, depending on the size and prototype. Because of their small size, they are generally easier to install, but less practical for homeowners, because they require more electricity than you find in an average residence.
Installation and Maintenance
There are two factors you want to take into consideration before buying a water heater: Cost and Efficiency. The cost refers not only to the heater itself, but the potential cost of gas and maintenance. The “efficiency rating” of your water heater is based on the amount of hot water produced by fuel or energy. As is the case with most electronics, your water heater’s efficiency is largely dependent on the way it is installed. Proper installation and maintenance will be the final factors that determine how energy efficient and effective your water heater is for your home.
Call Al Bourgeois Plumbing!
Your plumbing technician will be able to assess your home and tell you which water heater is right for you. At Al Bourgeois, we work with the best brands on the market and will skillfully evaluate your residence to ensure you get the best water heater for you and your family.
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