Making the decision between a conventional water heater with a storage tank and a tankless water heater is something you could face at some point. After all, water heaters are the gold standard for a consistent 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 useful guide from the local experts at Age Heating & Cooling lays out tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the unique aspects of their design in addition to some benefits and drawbacks of each type. These valuable insights will help you make an informed choice that meets your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve decided, feel free to contact our installers for professional tank water heater installation.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters: Tried and True

Let's examine conventional storage tank water heaters first. That ample storage tank is the central feature here, holding onto a generous supply of water that’s always 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.
  • Streamlined Maintenance Needs: This simpler design also leads to less potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Continuous Energy Use: Tank water heaters must keep water constantly heated, which equals wasted energy if you’re not frequently using that water.
  • Space Requirements: The tank itself could become a challenge in cramped spaces. If your home lacks a basement or utility closet, installation becomes a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Efficient and Innovative

Now, let's check out tankless water heaters, an advanced alternative that’s relatively modern. Distinct from tank models, tankless water heaters operate on-demand. They’re heating only when needed, thanks to robust heating elements as the water flows through the system.

Pros:

  • Less Energy Used: Tankless models are much more energy efficient since they aren’t always on.
  • Surprisingly Durable: With proper maintenance from a trained technician, tankless water heaters can boast many years of service.

Cons:

  • Higher Setup Cost: Initial installation costs are higher because of the more sophisticated design.
  • Higher Service Needs: Tankless models may require more periodic maintenance to keep their important parts functioning smoothly.
  • Potential Need to Update Plumbing Infrastructure Updates: Older homes aren't always prepared for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can adapt your plumbing to accommodate one, but it might complicate your installation project.

Picking Your Water Heater: Consider What Suits You Best

For a majority of homeowners, we’d suggest going with the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters provide. But this is based on factors such as how much hot water you go through every 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 consumes on average. As an example, larger families who are active in sports or have pets almost always need much more hot water than a single person living alone.
  2. How Much Space the Heater Itself Needs: The layout of your home can impact how well a water heater operates. Consider all possible installation locations and confirm with professionals if your model is the right fit.
  3. The Area’s Average Temperatures Through the Year: Brutally cold winters mean much higher energy use that time of year. This isn’t ideal for tankless models, which are best suited when there won’t be any large fluctuations in water usage.
  4. Utility Costs: Your local fuel or electricity costs can render one option more appealing over the other.

Remember, seasoned installers like those at Age Heating & Cooling can help you in making a more educated decision. They understand which brands meet your specific needs before delivering a smoother installation process.

Reach Out to Age Heating & Cooling

If you're thinking about a switch to a tankless water heater in Sandpoint, why not call Age Heating & Cooling for a no-cost quote? Our expert plumbing technicians can provide the peace of mind that you’ll always have the hot water you need. Call today at 208-603-2210.