Comparing Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater
Of all your appliances, the water heater is arguably the most important. After all, it provides hot water each day so that you can shower, wash your dishes, and do your laundry. When it’s not working, you quickly realize how important it is to your home’s day-to-day operations. As technology has improved, many people are trying to choose between a traditional tank heater or a state-of-the-art tankless water heater. If you’re currently experiencing the tank vs tankless water heater debate, we here at Boss Plumbing have some tips for you to keep in mind along the way.
Tank vs. Tankless: What’s the Difference?
Once you begin comparing these two types of water heaters, you’ll start to notice a few differences in how they work.
Tank Water Heaters
- Tank heaters have been around for decades, and are known for being very reliable and experiencing few major problems once installed.
- A tank heater will heat water, then store it in its tank until you need it. Tank heaters generally range in size from 30-50 gallons, and the size of water heater you get for your home depends on such things as how many people are in your household and how much hot water is needed each day.
- Available as a gas water heater or electric water heater, tank heaters use energy 24/7.
- Once its tank of hot water is empty, you usually have to wait for the supply to be replenished.
Tankless Water Heaters
- They too are available in gas or electric models.
- Considered to be more energy efficient, tankless water heaters only heat water when it is needed at that precise moment, meaning they only heat the water when you turn on the hot tap at your sink, shower, or need hot water for your washing machine.
- Tankless water heaters are also much smaller than their tank counterparts. In fact, whether you have a gas or electric tankless water heater in your home, our Boss Plumbing plumbers can install it on a wall in your garage, basement, utility room, or elsewhere.
Comparing Tank vs Tankless Water Heaters
Before deciding on a tank or tankless water heater, here are some key points to keep in mind.
1. Cost
When you are having a water heater installed in your Los Angeles home, a tankless water heater will usually cost much more than a tank water heater. Expect to spend about $1,000 to purchase and have a tank heater installed, while a tankless water heater will cost at least twice as much and probably more upfront. In most cases, this is because plumbers need to relocate pipes or natural gas lines.
2. Efficiency
In this area, the tankless water heater reigns supreme. According to studies from the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters on average use at least 34 percent less energy than do tank water heaters. Because of this, the average household saves at least $100 per year on their energy bills when using tankless water heaters. If you choose to have a gas water heater in your home, your efficiency can increase up to eight percent more, since natural gas costs are very low.
3. Lifespan
Again, the tankless water heater comes out on top. A typical tank water heater will last 10 or perhaps 20 years if it is well-maintained, while a tankless water heater is expected to last 20-30 years. Tank heaters are also more prone to equipment failures that can produce extensive flooding within a home, so keep this in mind as well.
4. Installation
Choosing a water heater for your home may come down to not only the factors mentioned above, but also how much space you have for installation of the heater itself. Tank heaters are far bigger than tankless heaters, meaning you’ll need a bigger area for them to be installed. If you have a smaller home or want to maximize your square footage for other things, a tankless water heater may be your best bet.
5. Maintenance
No matter which type of water heater you have in your home, each will require regular maintenance to keep it in top working condition. While tank water heaters may be more prone to having problems with heating elements or thermostats, tankless water heaters can present the same challenges as well. To make sure you don’t experience problems, it is always best to contact us here at Boss Plumbing for an annual water heater maintenance check.
6. Repairs
When it comes to water heater repair, one factor that may play a big role in how many problems you experience along the way is whether or not you have hard water. While this issue will be hard on both types of water heaters, it is usually a bit harder on traditional tank water heaters, since they are bigger and have more parts inside them that can be damaged. However, due to their advanced technology, tankless water heater repairs can often be very complex, especially if they involve gas lines.
7. Convenience
Needless to say, you always want hot water when you need it the most. Thus, you should always take the convenience factor into consideration when mulling over your tank vs tankless water heater decision. If you have a large family who is always in need of hot water for showers or laundry, having an on-demand tankless water heater may make life much easier.
Choosing the Right Water Heater
When choosing a water heater for your home, don’t make cost the only factor. Also consider where it will be installed, how much hot water you need, and how long you want your water heater to last. By thinking it through and asking questions along the way, you’ll get the best water heater for your needs.
Call the Pros Today
Whether you’re switching to a tankless water heater or decide to stick with a traditional tank water heater, our pros here at Boss Plumbing are experts in water heater services. Call us today!
