Tankless or Tank Water Heaters: Which Option Is the Best for You?

Daniel Groover • January 10, 2017

If you are in need of a new hot water heater, you may want to consider the benefits of a tankless model before purchasing a new conventional water heater. There are some advantages gained by buying a tankless unit as opposed to choosing an ordinary tank heater.

However, it is also important to remember that a conventional water heater may be your best choice and that they have advantages, too. To help you make a decision as to which kind of water heater to buy, read a few of the benefits that each type of hot water heater can offer to you below.

Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters come in either electric or gas configurations. Both are excellent options, depending upon your available fuel supply options. There are some specific advantages of using tankless hot water heaters in your home, though.

Steady Water Supply

If there is a critical need to maintain a constant water supply, then a tankless water heater is the best option. Tankless water heaters offer homeowners access to nearly unlimited hot water at the point of origin. For example, a tankless heater connected to a washing machine can provide as much hot water as the machine needs.

Higher Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters consume less energy than tank counterparts; in fact, in some cases, tankless water heaters can use as little as 50% of the energy a conventional tank water heater uses to warm water.

This incredible energy savings is only realized if individual appliances are placed at each hot water outlet in the home, but even tankless units in homes with high hot water consumption still provide savings of close to 15%.

Longer Life Span

Tankless water heaters not only burn less electricity, but they also last a lot longer than conventional water heaters. The average tankless water heater can remain usable for decades, while ordinary water heaters may need replaced about 10 years after installation.

The reason why tankless water heaters last longer than tank heaters is due to the lack of a large, constantly heated vessel that is especially vulnerable to corrosion.

Space Savings

Tankless water heaters also consume less space than tank water heaters. Since the tankless model can be mounted to the wall, there is a considerable amount of square footage left open in the home. The tankless water heater â€™s size and mounting can result in a space savings of 50 square feet or more.

Advantages of Conventional Tank Water Heaters

In some circumstances, a conventional tank water heater can still provide several advantages that make it the best choice for homeowners. Below are the advantages of choosing a conventional tank water heater.

Low Upfront Cost

Conventional tank water heaters cost a lot less than tankless water heaters do. This cost benefit includes the water heater itself as well as installation expenses. Tankless water heaters often require specialized venting, unlike conventional water heaters that utilize standard ventilation structures.

Higher Overall Volume

If your household uses a high volume of hot water, then a conventional tank water heater may best serve your needs. Conventional tank water heaters can provide a high overall volume of water for multiple, simultaneous needs. For example, if you intend to operate an automatic dishwasher and washing machine simultaneously, then a tank water heater will be better suited to your circumstances.

If you are interested in installing a new water heater but aren't sure about the specifics, contact D&S Plumbing and Septic for assistance. We can provide you with guidance regarding your options and help you make the decision to choose a tankless or tank water heater. Once you decide, we can install your preferred water heater in no time.

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