Thinking about switching to a tankless water heater? Here is a side by side comparison of the tankless water heater and the tank water heater. Call us if you have more questions or want to schedule a time for our team to come take a look!
Energy Efficiency:
Tank water heater: They continuously heat water, which can lead to standby heat loss, where energy is wasted keeping the water hot even when it’s not being used.
Tankless water heater: They only heat water on demand, so there is no standby heat loss. This can result in higher energy efficiency and lower utility bills, especially in households or apartment units with low to moderate hot water usage.
Space Requirement:
Tank water heater: They are larger and require more space for installation. They take up a lot of room in utility closets.
Tankless water heater: These units are compact and can be mounted on a wall, saving valuable utility room space. They are especially advantageous for smaller homes or apartment units.
Basic Function:
Tank water heater: The water is heated continuously to maintain a preset temperature. The size of the tank determines the amount of hot water available at any given time. Once the hot water in the tank is depleted, it takes time for the tank to refill and reheat the water.
Tankless water heater: Also known as on-demand water heaters, these units heat water only when it is needed. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows through a heat exchanger and is heated by either a gas burner or electric element. They can provide a continuous supply of hot water as long as there is demand. However, they have a limited flow rate, so if multiple hot water appliances are used simultaneously, there may be a decrease in water pressure.
Initial Cost and Installation:
Tank water heater: Typically, tank water heaters have a lower initial cost compared to tankless units. Installation costs may vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the need for additional venting or plumbing.
Tankless water heater: They generally have a higher upfront cost due to the technology involved and may require upgrades to gas lines or electrical systems during installation. However, they can provide long-term energy savings, potentially offsetting the initial investment.
Lifespan and Maintenance:
Tank water heater: They typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Maintenance involves periodically flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup.
Tankless water heater: They tend to have a longer lifespan of 20 years or more. Maintenance usually involves descaling the heat exchanger annually to prevent mineral buildup.
In summary, tankless water heaters offer energy efficiency, space savings, and a continuous supply of hot water, but they come with a higher upfront cost. Tank water heaters have a lower initial cost but may result in standby heat loss and have limited hot water supply compared to tankless units. The choice between the two depends on factors such as hot water usage, space availability, and budget considerations.
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