Tank Vs. Tankless: Which Water Heater System Is Better For Your Home?
Is your current water heater aging and you know it’s time to look into other options but don’t where to start? Our Salt Lake City water heater experts can FIX that! Before committing to a new tank or tankless water heater, it’s imperative that homeowners weigh the pros and cons of both systems before moving forward. Keep reading to learn about the main differences between these two systems and determine which type of water heater should be installed in your home!
Cost & Installation
Tank Water Heater: Initially purchasing a tank water heater is more cost-effective, however, it won’t guarantee the same long-term savings as a tankless water heater. Tank systems should also only be handled by a licensed plumber to stay within warranty requirements and prevent installation errors.
Tankless Water Heater: It is important to keep in mind that tankless systems usually cost more upfront, however, the initial investment is worth the long-term benefits, such as higher efficiency and the reduced cost of utility bills. A professional should always install these systems to ensure no issues during the installation process.
Functionality
Tank Water Heater: Opposite of tankless systems, a tank water heater stores and preheats water before use. This means if more water is used than what is preheated, you will be out of luck in receiving warm water and might need to wait several minutes to let more water preheat before continuing your tasks. For a larger family, this system is not the most ideal. Additionally, when you use up the hot water, the tank will automatically start the reheating process again, meaning you will be paying for this whether you need it or not at that moment.
Tankless Water Heater: Tankless water heaters function by producing hot water on-demand and do not store nor heat water when not in use. This system heats the water as it is flowing through your pipes to ensure the water you’re getting on the receiving end is instantly warm. Because of its functionality, this system is best suited for large families to guarantee no fighting over who has to take the last shower.
Energy-Efficiency
Tank Water Heater: Because tank systems are heating water whether you need it or not, this can, unfortunately, reflect on your utility bills, making your monthly cost higher compared to the tankless system. While the initial cost upfront is less, you make up for that in monthly utility bills. A tank system also has a shorter lifespan, requiring you to replace it or repair your water heater sooner rather than later.
Tankless Water Heater: As previously mentioned, tankless water heaters are in fact more energy-efficient than traditional tank systems. This is because tankless systems only produce hot water when necessary compared to a tank system that constantly produces more warm water after each use, even if it is not needed. According to the Department of Energy, tankless systems are anywhere between 24-34% more efficient, translating to roughly $100 in savings per year. With a life expectancy of nearly 20-25 years, you could potentially save $2,000 to $2,500 by having a tankless system instead of a tank.
Now that you have learned the main differences between a tank and a tankless water heater, we hope you have narrowed down the options and questions you might have been asking yourself prior. Our Neerings team consists of Home Service Specialists that specialize in water heater installation, service, and maintenance. Contact Neerings Plumbing Heating Air & Electric today at (801) 467-3951 to schedule a quote and learn about the special offers we have for tank and tankless water heater installations.