One of the essential appliances in any home is the water heater. It enables us to have a warm, comfortable shower, and get hot water for daily activities. However, the traditional tank water heaters are becoming outdated and less efficient compared to their modern tankless counterparts. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of both tank and tankless water heaters for energy savings.
Tank Water Heaters
Introduction
Tank water heaters store and heat hot water within tanks that hold anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons of water. These heaters use gas, electricity, or oil to heat the water and keep it hot for immediate use.
Pros
Cheaper Initial Cost
Tank water heaters are significantly cheaper than tankless models. The average cost for a tank water heater ranges from $300 – $800, depending on the size of the tank and specific features.
Simpler Installation
The installation process for tank water heaters is simple, and the technology has been available for years. Most plumbers can install a tank heater in less than a day.
Makes for a good backup
If you’re experiencing a power outage, you’ll be happy to have a hot water supply stored in a tank water heater. You won’t have to wait for your system to reboot or for your service provider to respond.
Cons
Higher energy bills
The traditional tank water heaters have a significant disadvantage because they continually heat water throughout the day, using a considerable amount of energy. In addition, the standby heat loss that occurs as hot air rises and escapes through the vent causes a waste of energy.
Limited hot water supply
If you use a large amount of hot water, such as when having a guest over, you’ll have to wait around 30 minutes or longer for your tank to refill before using hot water again.
Shorter lifespan
Tank water heaters tend to rust, corrode and degrade quickly, especially if the water isn’t drained and flushed regularly. The average lifespan of a traditional tank heater is around 8-12 years, with some even failing after 5-6 years.
Tankless Water Heaters
Introduction
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, are more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional models. Instead of storing hot water within a tank, tankless models heat water as it enters your home, only using energy when hot water is needed.
Pros
Energy efficient
Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional models. They only use energy when hot water is needed, saving on energy bills. Additionally, tankless models have less standby heat loss, which translates to more energy savings.
Hot water on-demand
Tankless water heaters can provide hot water on-demand, eliminating the need for waiting for your tank to refill. This feature is especially useful for those who use a lot of hot water throughout the day.
Longer lifespan
Tankless water heaters tend to have longer lifespans than traditional models, lasting up to 20 years or more.
Cons
Expensive installation cost
Compared to tank water heaters, tankless models have high initial installation costs. On average, they range from $1,500 – $3,000, depending on the unit’s size, installation fees, and other factors.
Limited hot water supply
If you need hot water for multiple activities simultaneously, such as showers, laundry, and dishwasher, you may run out of hot water supply. However, installing a larger unit can mitigate this problem, although with a higher installation cost.
High repair cost
If a tankless water heater malfunctions, repairing it can be expensive. Additionally, the complexity of the machine means that only skilled professionals can handle repairs.
Conclusion
Overall, both tank and tankless water heaters have their pros and cons. For the environmentally conscious homeowner, a tankless water heater can provide more energy savings in the long run. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option that requires little maintenance, a tank water heater could be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, level of consumption, and unique requirements.