Water heaters are arguably among the most important appliances in our homes. Day in and day out, our families need a steady supply of hot water — whether they’re showering, washing their hands, or begrudgingly cleaning the dishes. It stands to reason, then, that you should only purchase a new water heater that you feel comfortable using for the foreseeable future.
Purchasing one of these appliances is a significant investment. Of course, you may also have a few questions. For instance, you might ask yourself: Is a tank or tankless water heater better for your family’s needs? Fortunately, we’re here to address your concerns and help you make an informed decision.
Let’s discuss what you can expect from installing a tankless vs. tank water heater in your home.
Heating Process
When discussing the merits of a tankless vs. tank water heater, it only makes sense to start with how each type of system works. Both types of water heaters have their own processes for heating water, which we’ll talk about in more detail below.
Tank Water Heaters
Traditional water heaters work by heating up water and keeping it inside a storage tank. Heated water will remain inside the tank until you or a family member decides to use it. The water will be replenished to keep the tank full.
As cold water flows through the unit, it passes over a heat exchanger, which heats it up to your desired temperature. Once the water reaches the predetermined temperature, it will remain in the storage tank, where it continues to be heated.
Tankless Water Heaters
When it comes down to it, a tankless water heater heats water in much the same way as a traditional tank unit. However, there are a few key differences that you should be aware of. For example, tankless water heaters don’t have a storage tank. This means that they only heat water when you require it.
When you turn on a hot water tap, this is when the heating process begins. First, cold water is sent to the heat exchanger, where it’s brought up to your desired temperature. Once it has achieved the right temperature, the water is immediately sent to the hot water tap for you to use and enjoy. It’s easy to understand why these appliances are well-known as “on-demand water heaters.”
Average Lifespan
If you’ve been wondering whether a tank or tankless water heater is the best option for your home, you might want to know how long they last. All-in-all, the average lifespan for storage tank water heaters is 10 to 15 years, while tankless units are known to last up to 20 years.
Of course, it’s important to mention that the longevity of your water heater can vary depending on several factors. For example, hot water usage and regular maintenance can end up having an impact on how long your appliance lasts.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency has become a major concern for the Department of Energy and homeowners nationwide. The more efficiently an appliance operates, the less energy it will waste — which is excellent news for the environment and your utility bills. So if you’re unsure which option is right for you, it’s worth considering the efficiencies of tankless vs. tank water heaters.
Simply put, tankless water heaters are known for being generally more energy efficient than tank models. However, this doesn’t mean that storage tank units can’t be efficient. For instance, traditional water heaters that operate on natural gas are shown to consume less energy than those that run on electricity.
Of course, when choosing a water heater, you’ll want to consider more than just efficiency to find the best solution for your needs. At Proactive Comfort, our Nashua plumbers can walk you through your options and discuss efficient options to find a solution that suits your home’s specific requirements.
Installation Costs
Which option costs less to install, a tank or tankless water heater? When it comes down to it, storage water heaters tend to have lower upfront costs than their tankless counterparts. This is undoubtedly a factor that many homeowners will take into consideration, as many people are working with a fixed budget.
However, it’s also worth noting that investing in a tankless water heater can help you save money on your monthly utility bills in the long term. While these systems can have higher installation costs, they can provide you with long-term savings.
Install a New Hot Water Heater With the Pros in Nashua, NH!
It can be helpful to compare the functionality and benefits of tankless vs. tank water heaters. This way, you can have a better understanding of what to expect when you install one. It’s no secret that hot water plays a crucial role in our day-to-day lives, so investing in the right appliance for your home is no small feat.
Hopefully, this guide has made it easier for you to know if a tank or tankless water heater is right for your family. At Proactive Comfort, our plumbing experts can help you find the perfect solution for your hot water needs. We can properly size the unit to find the proper size and flow rate for your home. Whether you’re interested in a natural gas or electric system, we’re here to discuss your options and guide you through the installation process.
Have you been searching for a dependable plumber in Nashua, NH, to help with your water heater installation? Look no further! Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team!