Tankless Hot Water Heaters vs. Tank Storage Water Heaters

If your hot water heater is nearing its 10-year mark, or if there have been other warning signs that it may be time to replace it, understanding your options can help you choose the best water heater for your home. When investing in a hot water heater, it is important to consider the efficiency, cost, and longevity of a new heater.  Many homeowners wonder whether to stick with a traditional storage tank water heater or switch to a tankless option.

Storage Tank Water Heaters

If you already own a home and aren't building new, this is most likely the system you already have in your house. The insulated tank in this type of water heater system stores the hot water for use throughout the home. The system is either run electrically or via natural gas.

Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater has no storage tank. The water pumps through the system and is immediately heated by its burners. This hot water comes in an endless supply which is its primary difference from traditional storage tank heaters.

What to Consider

When choosing a new water heating system, you will want to look at efficiency (running cost), effectiveness, maintenance, lifespan, and upfront cost.

• Efficiency:

  If you want to save money over time by lowering your energy bills, a tankless water heater is the best option. As these are newer systems, they are more technologically advanced and designed to save money and help the environment. According to energy.gov, "For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand water heaters can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. They can be 8%–14% more energy efficient for homes that use a lot of hot water -- around 86 gallons per day."

• Effectiveness:

  Again, tankless water heaters are the better option. Tankless water heaters deliver two to three gallons of hot water per minute and offer hot wonder on-demand. Most people won’t have to wait more than 15-25 seconds.

• Lifespan:

  Tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of over 20 years. Alternately, storage tank water heaters last only eight to twelve years.

• Upfront cost:

  The water heaters themselves are comparably priced; however, the cost to install a tankless water heater tends to be more expensive than that of a storage tank heater. Especially if you need a plumbing retrofit to change from a storage tank water heater to a tankless system. Many homeowners see the cost savings in utility bills and longer life expectancy as a motive to change, but this cost difference is an important factor to consider.

We hope you found this information helpful in deciding which type of water heater suits your needs. Reach out to our team to discuss further so we can ensure you've chosen the best water heating system for you.

If your question isn't answered here, contact the Total Temperature Control team, and one of our experts will guide you in finding your solution.

Whether you need 24-7 emergency service or a solution to improve your indoor comfort—at home and work—call us at 781-224-2400 or submit a convenient contact form.

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