Do you want to save space and money this year? Consider investing in a tankless water heater. This type of system will save you precious space in your home and valuable money on your monthly utility bills. We have created a list of the differences between tankless water heaters vs traditional tank water heaters. View our tips to determine whether or not you should make the switch.
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What Are the Differences Between Tankless & Tank Hot Water Heaters?
It’s a decision that all homeowners must face at some point in their lives: tankless water heater vs. standard tank water heater. It’s important to understand the differences between each option before making a purchase. Check out the top four differences between the two water heater types.
1. Configuration & Operation
Standard water heaters have a bulky tank attached that is usually about five feet tall. They heat water 24/7 so you always have hot water available. On the other hand, tankless water heaters are tank-free. They are ideal for smaller living spaces. Unlike a standard unit, they only heat water on demand.
2. Price
While the upfront costs are more for a tankless water heater, keep in mind that they run more efficiently, thus saving you money on monthly utilities in the long run.
3. Performance
Both gas and electric-powered standard water heaters successfully produce a constant flow of hot water throughout the day. While both gas and electric-powered tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand, electric models require slightly warmer ground water to reach the ideal temperature for daily use.
4. Energy-Efficiency
If you are comparing the differences between tankless water heaters vs tank water heaters, it is important to be aware that traditional tank water heaters experience a significant energy standby loss because they are constantly reheating unused hot water. On the other hand, tankless water heaters are remarkably energy efficient. They only supply hot water when you need it, so they don’t waste any energy by reheating unused hot water.
5 Benefits of Buying a Tankless Water Heater
If you’re looking to buy a new water heater and want to know whether you should buy a tankless or tank water heater, make sure you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each. Our guide below will give you a good idea about the benefits of buying a tankless water heater.
1. Efficiency
While the upfront cost of a tankless water heater might turn you away, consider the long-term savings it offers. Because tankless units only supply hot water on demand, they don’t experience an energy standby loss like standard units do. That unused energy results in a lower energy bill every month. Those monthly savings add up over time and make the investment more than worth it.
2. Long Life Cycle
The constant production of hot water causes standard units to wear down too quickly. Because tankless water heaters run more efficiently than standard units, they experience less strain from daily use which allows them to last much longer. The longer your tankless unit lasts, the longer it will be before you have to repair or replace it.
3. Decreased Time for Hot Water Production
With a standard water heater, you sometimes have to wait up to a few minutes for the hot water to kick in since the unit heats water a whole tank at a time. Thankfully, you can kiss those days of waiting goodbye. The on-demand hot water production feature of a tankless unit enables it to produce hot water at a much faster rate. That way, you get the hot water you need when you need it.
Tips & Insights: Why Is My Hot Water Heater Making a Strange Noise?
4. Space Saver
The bulkiness of a standard unit forces you to store it in a relatively spacious area that’s hidden from plain sight. The good news is that the small configuration of tankless water heaters means that you can store them just about anywhere, even on a wall. Especially if you live in a smaller space, a tankless water heater is the way to go.
5. Safety
One of the primary reasons to invest in a tankless water heater is to keep your family safe. While standard water heaters have the potential to overheat or even explode—causing expensive water damage in your home—tankless water heaters are highly unlikely to malfunction in these ways. The only problem you might experience with a tankless unit is a minor leak that our technicians can fix in no time.
Water Heater Repair & Installation Services
If you’re still thinking about the tankless water heater vs. tank water heater debate, let the HVAC experts at Horizon Services put your mind at ease. We offer reliable tankless water heater installation and repair services to homes in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In addition, our team offers other types of plumbing services such as water line replacement, drain cleaning, sewer line maintenance, and water heater repair. Give us a call at 1-800-642-4419 to receive assistance with a malfunctioning hot water heater. We also have a team of emergency HVAC technicians available for same-day service calls because we never want you to worry about getting the help you need.