Choosing between a conventional water heater with a storage tank and a tankless water heater is something most homeowners face at some point. After all, water heaters are the gold standard for a reliable source of hot water. Because your plumbing fixtures and home appliances depend on this hot water, it’s always important to carefully compare your options.

This practical guide from the local experts at Appalachian Heating breaks down tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the unique aspects of their design along with some pros/cons of each one. These key details will give you everything you need to make an educated choice regarding your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve figured it out, feel free to contact our installers for professional tank water heater installation.

Storage Tank Water Heaters: A Time-Tested Favorite

Let's get to know conventional storage tank water heaters first. That ample storage tank is the standout feature here, ensuring you have an ample supply of water that’s constantly heated. The moment you need hot water, a tank water heater can provide it.

Pros:

  • Lower Initial Costs: Tank water heaters will have smaller expenses for installation, thanks to their straightforward design.
  • Easier Maintenance: This simpler design also translates into fewer potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Higher Energy Use: Tank water heaters must keep water perpetually heated, which means wasted energy if you’re not regularly using that water.
  • Space Requirements: The tank itself is sometimes a problem in smaller spaces. If the property doesn’t have a basement or utility closet, installation becomes a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Cutting-Edge Comfort

Now, let's consider tankless water heaters, an advanced alternative that’s providing more flexibility to homeowners. Compared to tank models, tankless water heaters operate only as required. They’re heating up water only when needed, with robust heating elements as the water flows through the system.

Pros:

  • Greater Energy Savings: Tankless models are much more energy efficient since they aren’t operating nonstop.
  • Longer Life Span: With regular maintenance from a certified expert, tankless water heaters can offer a longer life span.

Cons:

  • Higher Setup Cost: Initial installation costs are higher as a result of the more intricate design.
  • May Need More Upkeep: Tankless models do best when provided more routine attention to keep their important parts working efficiently.
  • Compatibility Issues with Old Plumbing: Older homes aren't always prepared for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can retrofit your plumbing to accommodate one, but it may add another layer of difficulty to your installation project.

Picking Your Water Heater: Consider What Suits You Best

For a majority of homeowners, we’d suggest the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters can offer. But this may be dependent on aspects including how much hot water you need day to day. You should reflect on your specific hot water needs before you make your selection.

  1. Your Average Hot Water Consumption: Estimate how much hot water your household uses on average. For instance, big families who love the outdoors or have pets almost always need significantly more hot water than if you live by yourself.
  2. Sufficient Space to Install It: The size of your home can influence how efficient a water heater operates. Review potential installation locations and confirm with professionals if your model is the right fit.
  3. The Area’s Average Temperatures Through the Year: Long winters mean much higher energy use that time of year. This reduces the efficiency of tankless models, which are better in situations when there won’t be any large fluctuations in water usage.
  4. Energy Prices: Your community’s energy prices can make one option more enticing over the other.

Remember, a trained professional like those at Appalachian Heating can help you in making a more informed decision. They understand which brands meet your specific needs before delivering a smoother installation process.

Reach Out to Appalachian Heating

If you're thinking about a switch to a tankless water heater in Mount Hope, why not call Appalachian Heating for a free quote? Our skilled plumbing technicians can give the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 304-707-0600.