Trying to choose between a traditional water heater with a storage tank or a newer, tankless water heater is something most homeowners face at some point. After all, water heaters are the cornerstone for a reliable source of hot water. And since your plumbing fixtures and home appliances rely on this hot water, it’s always important to carefully compare your options.

This handy guide from your local experts at Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC breaks down tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the unique aspects of their design as well as some pros/cons of each type. These key details will ensure you can make an educated choice regarding your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve made your decision, feel free to contact our installers for expert tank water heater installation.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters: Tried and True

Let's get to know conventional storage tank water heaters first. That ample storage tank is the central feature here, storing an ample supply of water that’s continually heated. Whenever you need hot water, a tank water heater is ready to supply it.

Pros:

  • Lower Initial Costs: Tank water heaters typically have smaller expenses for installation, thanks in part to a simpler design.
  • Easier Maintenance: A streamlined design also leads to less potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Nonstop Heating: Tank water heaters must keep water perpetually heated, which inevitably leads to extra cost if you’re not constantly using that water.
  • Large Overall Size: The tank itself is sometimes a problem in cramped spaces. If your home doesn’t have a basement or utility closet, installation becomes a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Efficient and Innovative

Now, let's explore tankless water heaters, an innovative alternative that’s providing more flexibility to homeowners. Compared to tank models, tankless water heaters operate on-demand. They’re generating hot water only when needed, thanks to efficient heating elements as the water passes through the system.

Pros:

  • Improved Energy Efficiency: Tankless models are much more energy efficient since they aren’t always on.
  • Longer Life Span: With proper maintenance from a trained technician, tankless water heaters can offer many years of service.

Cons:

  • Larger Initial Investment: Initial installation costs are higher due to the more intricate design.
  • May Need More Upkeep: Tankless models do best when provided more regular servicing to keep their important parts functioning smoothly.
  • Potential Need to Update Plumbing Infrastructure Updates: Older homes may not be ready for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can retrofit your plumbing to accommodate one, but it might complicate your installation project.

Picking Your Water Heater: Consider What Suits You Best

For most homes, we’d recommend the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters provide. But this is based on factors such as how much hot water you need day to day. You should think about your specific hot water needs before you make your decision.

  1. Typical Hot Water Use: Assess how much hot water your household uses on average. As an example, large families who love the outdoors or have pets usually need significantly more hot water than if you live by yourself.
  2. Sufficient Space to Install It: The size of your home can affect how well a water heater operates. Check out all possible installation locations and confirm with professionals if your model is capable of fitting where you want it go.
  3. The Area’s Average Temperatures Through the Year: Harsh winters mean a water heater that works harder. This isn’t ideal for tankless models, which are most efficient when there won’t be any big spikes in water usage.
  4. Energy Prices: Your community’s utility rates can render one option more enticing over the other.

Don’t forget, experienced pros like those at Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC can aid you in making a more educated decision. They understand which brands meet your specific needs before delivering a smoother installation process.

Why Not Call Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC?

If you're thinking about a switch to a tankless water heater in Croydon, why not call Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC for a free quote? Our expert plumbing technicians can give the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 215-741-5505.