Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters: Which One is Best?
Your water heater plays an essential role in your Beavercreek, OH, home’s comfort and functionality, from long showers to clean laundry. If the time has come to replace your old one, you may find yourself facing a big decision.
Both tank and tankless heaters serve the same purpose of providing your home with hot water when you need it, but they do so in very different ways. One will undoubtedly suit your needs more than the other, but how do you know which one that is?
Before considering a tank or tankless water heater installation, it’s important to have all of the information.
Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters have been the standard for water heating for generations. Still the most popular choice, tank water heaters store water inside a tank that typically ranges from 40 to 120 gallons, heat it, and keep it hot until you need it. These heaters can be fueled by natural gas or powered by electricity.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, often called “on-demand systems,” don’t hold onto water like their tank counterparts. Instead, these water heaters sit in standby mode and wait until you turn on the faucet or shower and heat the water as when it’s needed.
Tankless water heaters typically run on propane or gas, though some models can run on electricity.
How They Stack Up
Now that the basics of these different tanks are out of the way, it’s time to get down to the things that set them apart. Each heater type has its clear advantages, so it’s important to understand what they are to help you choose the right one for your Beavercreek, OH, home.
Installation
Tank water heaters cost less to install but take up a lot more space than tankless heaters. Due to their complex nature, they also require more time to install.
Tankless water heater installations are simpler as their size lends to more versatility. These heaters are so small they can easily fit into tight spaces.
Cost
Tankless water heater installations will cost you more upfront. Prices range anywhere from $300 to $2500 for just the heater itself before installation.
Tank heaters range anywhere from $825 to $1600 for just the tank and heater assembly.
Efficiency
Though more expensive upfront for installation, tankless water heaters win big in the efficiency category. As they only produce hot water when you need it, they aren’t using energy to keep water warm all of the time, resulting in much lower energy usage than tank heaters.
Tankless water heaters are generally as much as 34% more efficient than tank heaters.
Performance
Most tank heaters produce 2 to 3 gallons of hot water per minute and should never run out as long as your tank size is calculated to suit your home’s needs. Larger homes may need more than one tankless water heater installation to keep up with the demand.
While tank heaters may require a little more time to deliver hot water, their big advantage here is their output.
Whereas tankless water heaters may struggle to keep up if the demand becomes too great, such as taking a shower while the washer is going, tank heaters with their already heated water storage are better equipped to rise to the challenge.
Repairs
Should something go wrong, tank heaters are cheaper to repair thanks to their simple design. Tankless water heaters are more complex, meaning if there’s a problem, it will cost you more to address.
Maintenance
Tank heaters require little maintenance. Every few years, they may need to be emptied to remove any sediment, but they don’t require anything special beyond that.
Tankless water heaters require yearly maintenance to ensure all parts are clean and in good working order.
Lifespan
One of the biggest differences between the two heater types is their lifespan. A traditional tank water heater has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Tankless heaters can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance.
So Which Is Better?
Which water heater is best comes down to which one better suits your needs and lifestyle. A tankless water heater installation will cost you more upfront but will last longer and save you money on energy costs.
A tank heater is cheaper to install and easier to maintain but won’t last as long. Now that you have the information, it’s to you to prioritize the facts and decide which one works best for you.
Professional Plumbers Near Me in Beavercreek, OH
You don’t have to look far if you require a professional plumber in Beavercreek, Dayton, or Xenia, OH. Expert water heater installations are just a call away. At Dean’s Plumbing, we strive for nothing short of 100% customer satisfaction in every job we do. Call us today to find out how we can help your plumbing needs.