Your water heater serves an important purpose in your home, so you might be wondering what type of water heater is best. Tank and tankless heaters operate in different ways and have their unique pros and cons. Understanding the difference between these two appliances can help you make an informed decision when it’s time to replace your water heater.
How a Tank Water Heater Works
Tank heaters store hot water in a tank that’s connected to both a cold water supply and a heat source. As the water gets heated up, it rises to the top of the tank and eventually flows to your faucets or showers when you need it. Tanks vary in size, but most are about 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide and store about 50 gallons of water.
How a Tankless Water Heater Works
A tankless system heats up water as you need it instead of storing it in a tank. When you turn on a shower or faucet, the system uses a heat exchanger to rapidly heat the water as it flows through the unit. Some tankless water heaters are gas-powered, and others use electricity.
Pros and Cons of Tank and Tankless Water Heaters
Pros of Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters are much more common than tankless heaters. They’re usually less expensive to purchase, install, and repair. They also can handle higher demands for hot water. Because a tank water heater has a large supply of hot water at the ready, you’re less likely to run out of hot water if multiple people shower or you have to run a faucet for a long time.
Cons of Tank Water Heaters
The biggest disadvantage of a tank water heater is that it’s less energy efficient than a tankless heater. Because the tank always stores as much hot water as possible, it can use up a great deal of energy. Tankless heaters, on the other hand, only heat water as you need it, leading to less wasted energy and lower utility bills. Another downside to a tank water heater is that the tank can take up a lot of space in your home.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are more efficient because they only heat up water on-demand. Many homeowners notice a decrease in their energy bills when they install a tankless water heater. These heaters have a longer lifespan, too. While tank water heaters last about 10 to 15 years, tankless heaters can last for 20 years.
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Although a tankless heater can save you money over time, it is more expensive up-front to install. You might need to install a new gas line to power a tankless water heater, which can be an expensive project. It also can take longer for your water to heat up to the desired temperature.
Tank and tankless water heaters both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, you should consider your household’s hot water needs as well as your budget to determine which option is best. You can also call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to learn more about both tank and tankless water heaters and their installation processes. We are happy to assist you with a repair or replacement for your water heater.