Tank Vs Tankless Water Heaters – Which Water Heater Is Best For You?

 

Tank Vs Tankless Water Heaters – Which Water Heater Is Best For You?

Whether you’re looking for a new water heater or want to upgrade an old one, there are many factors to consider. You need to decide what type of water heater is right for your home and is best suited to your needs.

Cost

Tank water heaters tend to be less expensive than tankless water heaters. The cost can vary greatly depending on the type, brand and size of heater you purchase. You can also save money by ensuring your new unit meets the Energy Guide Label capacity or first-hour rating (FHR) for your home’s hot water needs. For example, if you have a peak hour demand of 66 gallons per hour, you should select a water heater that provides that much or more. While tankless water heaters have higher initial costs, they are more efficient and last longer than conventional storage tank units. They have lower operating costs and can cut your utility bills by up to 25% annually, according to the Energy Department. Additionally, the average life expectancy of tank water heaters is 10 to 15 years, while that of tankless water heaters can range from 20 to 30 years. This depends on your home’s climate and water quality.

Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters (also called demand or on-demand heaters) heat your hot water as you need it, eliminating the energy lost in standby. The US Department of Energy reports that on-demand heaters use 24-34% less energy than traditional storage tank water heaters, even for homes that only use 41 gallons or fewer of hot water each day. Tankless units also have a built-in recirculation pump that uses a timer, push button, motion sensor, or smartphone to re-heat the water you already have in your pipes. The water re-heats in about a minute, which cuts down on waiting time and helps keep your water warm.

Maintenance

Tankless water heaters don’t have a tank to fill up with hot water, so they need less maintenance than traditional storage water heaters. However, they still need to be flushed regularly and should be serviced at least once a year. Flushing also helps prevent a build-up of rust and corrosion that can impede your unit’s performance. This can be a big problem, since it can lead to costly repair expenses down the road. Gas-powered models have burner chambers, circulating air passages, and control compartments that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. A plumber can perform this task for you, but you can also do it yourself if you know what you’re doing.

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