Many homeowners are unaware there are two types of water heaters available: tankless and storage tanks. Often your tank water heater not only takes up a lot of space in your basement but also costs more money on your energy bills. Here we look at what you need to know about tankless vs tank water heaters to help you decide which one is best for you.
Are Tankless Hot Water Heaters Better?
More homeowners are discovering the benefits of the tankless water heater. Not only do they tend to run more efficiently, but they also use less energy. However, there are pros and cons to the tankless water heater you should consider before you are sold on the idea of swapping out your tank water heater for a new tankless model.
What Is The Difference Between Tankless And Tank Water Heaters?
The main difference is revealed in their names: the tankless water heater does not require a tank, while the tank water heater relies on a store of hot water to provide hot water to your home. Here’s how each works:
Tank Water Heater
With the tank, you have access to about 115 to 230 litres of water at a time. The tank installed is determined by the size of your home at the original installation. However, when new tanks are installed, you can discuss your needs with your installer based on the size of your household. You have a choice of natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, or propane to heat your tank.
Pros of the tank water heater:
- You have access to a continuous flow of hot water (until it runs out!)
- They are less expensive than tankless water heaters to purchase
- You’ll have a steady flow of hot water based on your tanks setting
Cons of the tank water heater:
- You are paying to store the hot water as it sits in the tank whether you are using it or not
- They can take up a lot of space starting at about 1.5 meters tall and a little over .5 meters wide
- You can get energy-efficient tanks, but they cost more
- You can run out of hot water after a shower or two, or if running something like the dishwasher or washer
- It tends to cost more to replace an old tank water heater with a new one due to the labour of removing the large tank and carrying and installing the new tank
Looking for more information on what kind of water heater is right for you? Our team at Cedarwood Heating & Cooling would be happy to help. Contact us today for more information.
Tankless Water Heater
The tankless heater supplies hot water by passing the cold water through the unit which is heated on demand using a heat exchanger. The water is heated from either electricity, natural gas, or propane. Because there is no tank, they take up very little space as they are mounted on the wall.
Pros of the tankless water heater:
- Gas units and most electric units have excellent hot water flow rates
- Gas and electric models are more energy-efficient than tank water heaters
- It costs less to replace an old tankless with a new tankless compared to tank water heater replacements
Cons of the tankless water heater:
- Some electric units are not as consistent or effective at providing an even flow of heated water
- Some electric units are not as energy-efficient compared to gas tankless
- You can’t always run more than one hot faucet and expect to get even flow from both taps
As you can see, the tank water heater can cost more to run, while posing challenges when it comes to providing enough water in busy households. On the other hand, the tankless water heater offers an efficient, on-demand hot water system, that saves money over time.
For more information on tankless water heaters, contact our experts today.
