Are you preparing to replace your hot water heater? Are you wondering whether a tank or a tankless style water heater is the better choice? The truth is they can both be a great choice!
The real question to consider isn’t which is better, but which will work better for you. Both the storage type and the tankless type have advantages and disadvantages. Below are a few things to consider when making your decision:
Size
Tank Water Heater: A tank water heater can take up a lot of valuable space in your garage, closet, kitchen, bathroom.
Tankless Water Heater: Tankless water heaters are much smaller and can be mounted on a wall instead of sitting on the ground. It’s a perfect option for replacing a tank in an area with limited space.
Demand
Tank Water Heaters: A tank water heater holds water in reserve. This water is already heated and you get hot water pretty much as soon as you turn on the tap. If you use up all of your hot water, you’ll have to wait until the tank refills and reheats which can be inconvenient.
Tankless Water Heater: A tankless water heater heats up the water as you need it so it can take a bit of time to heat up to your preferred temperature. You’ll have to keep the tap open and wait until the cold water becomes hot. Since there is no reserve tank you’ll never run out of hot water. Keep in mind however that if demand for hot water spikes, a tankless water heater may not be able to keep pace. If you are taking a shower and do laundry at the same time the tankless water heater may not be able to keep up with the demand of both.
Efficiency
Tank Water Heater: Imagine keeping a giant pot of water simmering on your stove at all times of day and night. That’s basically what your tank water heater is doing and it’s not very efficient. Plus, if the water heater is in a cool environment it will need to work harder during the winter months to heat the water which increases your gas or electric bills during cooler months.
Tankless Water Heater: A tankless water heater only heats water when you need it, making it super efficient. Tankless water heaters can reduce energy costs by as much as 25%.
Power
Tank Water Heater: Gas water heaters need only gas, and electric need only electricity to own.
Tankless Water Heater: Even if your water is heated with gas, you need to run electrical to it so it can power the brains of the system.
Failures
Tank Water Heater: If your tank fails, it could leave you with a flood.
Tankless Water Heater: If it breaks you’ll be without water, but luckily water won’t be all over your floors.
Whether you’re ready to replace your water heater, or just need someone to help with servicing your current water heater, Munro Heating and Air is here for you! Give us a call at (484) 932-8374.
