The Difference Between Tank And Tankless Water Heaters

Purchasing a new water heater requires careful consideration, as your decision will affect everything from how much hot water your home gets to your energy bills. Modern-day homeowners can choose between different tank or tankless water heaters. Each type of water heater possesses its own benefits and disadvantages, so understanding these can help you make an informed decision for your home comfort!

Understanding How Tank And Tankless Water Heaters Differ

As the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t have the traditional tank associated with gas or electric water heaters. Instead of an insulated tank, tankless water heaters consist of a box that heats the water quickly as it comes into your home. While both provide hot water for your home, each does so in different ways that can affect which choice you feel best fits your lifestyle and situation.

Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters in South Boston, VA come in various sizes and can work with electric or gas power. When cold water enters the tank, it heats up and rises to the top. Once the tank fills with heated water, the unit maintains the heat until homeowners use the water inside. Below we have listed factors to consider about tank water heaters in Halifax County.

• Lifetime: Most homeowners won’t need to replace their water heater for between 8 and 12 years, though with regular maintenance, a tank water heater can last as long as 15 years. An experienced plumber can keep the tank flushed and ensure that the anode rod in the system doesn’t corrode.
• Energy Efficiency: Tank water heaters can use up a fair bit of energy, even with the newer, more energy-efficient models. The more insulated a tank, the better the water will retain heat.
• Heating Performance: Purchasing a tank sized correctly for your home and hot water usage can result in no hot water loss, while those who install the wrong size will consistently run out.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters in South Boston, VA, only heat water during use instead of maintaining a tank full of heated water. This system uses less energy while providing a near-endless supply of hot water. Homes that need more hot water than a single tankless water heater can provide might install two systems to give the household all the hot water it needs. Below we have listed factors to consider about tankless water heaters in Halifax County.

• Lifetime: Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years, although they require more thorough maintenance than tank water heaters. Without it, hard water can cause a build-up in the heating elements and damage the entire system.
• Energy Efficiency: Since tankless water heaters don’t have to keep a tank full of water hot and ready to go, these appliances use much less energy. While they still need a fuel source, they use your electricity or gas in smaller amounts, therefore providing you with a lower utility bill.
• Heating Performance: Tankless water heaters can only heat so much water as it passes through, so trying to use the water in multiple places at once can make its job difficult. For this reason, many homeowners will install two water heaters, one for appliances like washing machines and dishwashers and the other for tubs, sinks, and showers.

Tank or Tankless: Which Water Heater Should You Choose?

Installing a new water heater in Danville, VA is an investment for your home and should be chosen carefully. At Rogers Heating and Cooling, our expert technicians specialize in water heater installation and repair and can help you find the perfect solution for your home and needs. Choosing the right water heater for your home includes many considerations, so it’s important to keep the following in mind!

• Hot Water Needs
• Your Budget
• Current Water Heater

Hot Water Needs

Depending on the amount of people in your house and how many appliances you have, you may need more hot water than a single tankless water heater can handle. However, a tank unit that needs to heat a larger home can cost more because of its size, so weigh your needs against the type of water heater you get.

Your Budget

While all water heaters can vary in price, tank water heaters are typically the cheaper option when compared to tankless. It is important to stay within your budget and make your home comfort affordable, however, it is also important to consider your home’s needs. If the tankless option is more expensive upfront, it could save money in the long run due to its energy efficiency. The more energy the water heater saves, the less you will spend on utility bills each month. A Rogers technician can help evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of both tank and tankless water heaters and present the best solution for your budget.

Current Water Heater

If you already have a tankless water heater, replacing it with a tank water heater can potentially cost more since you’ll need to repipe and possibly create a new location for the tank to go. Upgrading a tank water heater to a tankless one can also cost more upfront, but the value of its overall savings will show in your lower energy bills.

Safe and Effective Water Heater Installation in South Boston, VA

Choosing between a tank and tankless water heater takes careful consideration, including everything from the cost of installation to energy bills. When you need a new water heater in Clarksville, VA and surrounding areas, you can rely on Rogers Heating & Cooling for safe and efficient repairs and installation. Call (434) 230-0093 to learn more.