Making the decision between a conventional 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 consistent 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 practical guide from your local experts at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. lays out tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the unique aspects of their design as well as some advantages and disadvantages of each type. These valuable insights will give you everything you need to make an informed choice based on your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve decided, feel free to contact our installers for professional tank water heater installation.
Conventional Storage Tank Water Heaters: The Reliable Choice
Let's take a closer look at conventional storage tank water heaters first. That sizable storage tank is the key feature here, ensuring you have an abundant supply of water that’s constantly heated. As soon as you need hot water, a tank water heater can deliver it.
Pros:
- More Affordable Setup: Tank water heaters generally have smaller expenses for installation, thanks in part to a simpler design.
- Easier Maintenance: This simpler design also leads to fewer potential maintenance needs.
Cons:
- Higher Energy Use: Tank water heaters must keep water constantly heated, which means wasted energy if you’re not regularly using that water.
- Space Requirements: The tank itself is sometimes a challenge in tight quarters. If your home is missing a basement or utility closet, installation can be a bit trickier.
On-Demand Tankless Water Heaters: A More Modern Option
Now, let's explore tankless water heaters, an advanced alternative that’s comparatively recent. Compared to tank models, tankless water heaters operate on-demand. They’re generating hot water only when needed, using robust heating elements as the water passes through the system.
Pros:
- Less Energy Used: Tankless models can improve your plumbing’s energy efficiency since they aren’t always on.
- Longer Life Span: With routine maintenance from a certified expert, tankless water heaters can enjoy many years of service.
Cons:
- Higher Setup Cost: Initial installation costs are higher because of the more sophisticated design.
- Higher Service Needs: Tankless models do best when provided more routine attention to keep their key elements in sync.
- Compatibility Issues with Old Plumbing: Older homes aren’t always equipped for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can adapt your plumbing to accommodate one, but it could add further costs to your installation project.
Deciding on Your Ideal Water Heater: Every Home Has Unique Needs
In general, we’d suggest the greater energy efficiency that tankless water heaters can offer. But this may be dependent on aspects including how much hot water you use each day. You should have a basic idea of how much water is needed to meet your specific hot water needs before you make your choice.
- Typical Hot Water Use: Assess how much hot water your household goes through on average. As an example, big families who enjoy sports or have pets will need a lot more hot water than a single person living alone.
- Space for Installation: The size of your home can impact how efficient a water heater operates. Review all possible installation locations and confirm with professionals if your model is the right fit.
- Regional Climate: Brutally cold winters mean a water heater that works harder. This is more noticeable with tankless models, which are better in situations when there won’t be any large fluctuations in water usage.
- Fuel and Electricity Rates: Your average utility rates can render one option more enticing over the other.
Don’t forget, a trained professional like those at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. can assist you in making a more educated decision. They understand which makes and models meet your specific needs before delivering a smoother installation process.
Get a Quote from West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
If you're ready to make the switch to a tankless water heater in West Jefferson, why not call West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. for a free quote? Our expert plumbing technicians can provide the peace of mind that you’ll always have the hot water you need. Call today at 614-879-9091.