Tankless Water Heater or Tank, Which is Better and Why?
When it comes to choosing a water heater, you have two options: tankless or tank. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each type and help you determine which is better for your home.
Tank Water Heater
A tank water heater is the traditional type of water heater that most people are familiar with. It consists of a large tank that heats and stores a certain amount of water, typically between 40 and 80 gallons. When you turn on the hot water faucet, the water from the tank is delivered to your tap.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost: Tank water heaters are generally less expensive to purchase and install than tankless water heaters.
- Simple maintenance: Tank water heaters are simple to maintain and repair, as they have fewer parts and components.
- Can handle high demand: Tank water heaters can handle a high demand for hot water, making them ideal for larger households or households with multiple bathrooms.
Cons:
- Limited hot water supply: Once the hot water in the tank is used up, you’ll need to wait for it to heat up again before you can use hot water.
- Less energy efficient: Tank water heaters are less energy efficient than tankless water heaters because they must constantly keep the water in the tank hot, even when it’s not being used.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater heats water on demand, so it doesn’t have a storage tank. When you turn on the hot water faucet, the water is heated as it passes through a heat exchanger before being delivered to your tap.
Pros:
- Energy efficient: Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than tank water heaters because they only heat water when it’s needed, so they don’t waste energy keeping a tank of water hot.
- Unlimited hot water supply: Because tankless water heaters heat water on demand, there’s no limit to the amount of hot water you can use.
- Longer lifespan: Tankless water heaters generally last longer than tank water heaters, with an average lifespan of 20 years or more.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install than tank water heaters.
- More complex maintenance: Tankless water heaters have more parts and components, making them more complex to maintain and repair.
- May require upgrades: If your home has an older electrical or gas system, you may need to upgrade it to accommodate a tankless water heater.
Which is Better?
Ultimately, the choice between a tankless water heater and a tank water heater depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you have a large household with a high demand for hot water, a tank water heater may be the better choice because it can handle a high demand. If you’re looking to save on energy costs and want an unlimited supply of hot water, a tankless water heater may be the better choice. However, keep in mind that a tankless water heater may require more upfront costs and upgrades.
At Fry Heating & Cooling, we can help you determine which type of water heater is best for your home and install it for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
