The Different Types of Water Heaters: Tank vs. Tankless

Water Heater, Energy-efficiency, Installation, Lifespan, Maintenance, Overall Cost, Price, Storage, Tank, Tankless

When you’re on the hunt for a new water heater, it’s super important to understand the differences between tank and tankless models, such as installation, overall costs, energy efficiency and lifespan.  

Like everything else, each option has its pros and cons. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all water heater that suits everyone. Every household has unique needs that will influence which model is best for you. Let your friendly experts at Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain help you identify those needs and walk you through the benefits and drawbacks of each type of water heater! 

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Tank Water Heaters  

Tank water heaters, often called storage tank water heaters, are the most popular choice for homes. They’re insulated tanks that hold, heat and store hot water until you need it. These handy heaters typically use electricity or natural gas as their power source and come in sizes ranging from 30 to over 75 gallons, perfect for residential use. 

A tank water heater.

The Top Benefits of Tank Water Heaters:  

  • Easier and quicker installation process: Tank water heaters are a breeze to install, making them budget-friendly right from the start!  
  • Stores large amounts of hot water: With a tank water heater, you’ll always have a generous supply of hot water ready for whenever you need it.  
  • Minimal maintenance requirements: Keeping up with maintenance is a cinch! Just stick to a regular flushing routine, and you can do it yourself or have a friendly plumber help out.  
  • Lifespan: With a little TLC, a tank water heater can happily serve you for 8 to 10 years! 

The Energy Efficiency Aspect of Tank Water Heaters:  

Some storage tank water heaters are designed so well and insulated so effectively that they can really help cut down on standby heat loss, which means lower monthly energy bills for you! This is just one more reason why picking the right water heater for your home is super important. 

The Costs Involved of Tank Water Heaters:  

When it comes to tank water heaters, it’s important to keep all the costs in mind!  

  • They offer more affordable upfront costs.  
  • Their maintenance costs are generally lower.  
  • Plus, repairs tend to be cheaper because of their simple design.  

Choosing a tank water heater can be a smart and budget-friendly option! 

Tank Water Heaters Are Best for Those with:  

Since the hot water supply is limited to the size of the water heater’s tank, these heaters are great for small to medium-sized families. 

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Tankless Water Heaters 

Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, are super-efficient devices that heat water quickly whenever you need it, as you need it. This means no more waiting around for hot water! They usually run on either electricity or gas, making them a convenient choice for your home. 

A tankless water heater.

 The Top Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters:  

  • A never-ending supply of hot water: With a tankless water heater, you’ll never have to stress about running out of hot water! That’s why they’re called “on-demand” water heaters. Unlike traditional ones that hold a set amount of hot water, leaving you waiting for the tank to refill, a tankless system gives you continuous hot water as long as there’s fuel or power to keep it running.  
  • Space-saving: Tankless water heaters are a great space-saver! They’re usually mounted on walls, which means they won’t take up valuable floor space. This is especially handy for smaller homes where every inch counts.  
  • Longer lifespan: Did you know tankless water heaters can last up to 15 years? That’s a lot longer than the 8-10 years typical traditional water heaters last! By choosing a tankless option, you won’t have to replace your unit as often, helping you save money in the long run. 

The Energy Efficiency Aspect of Tankless Water Heaters:  

Per energy.gov, homes with tankless water heaters can enjoy energy savings of up to 34% compared to traditional storage tank heaters. So, if your household uses a lot of water daily, a tankless water heater might just be the perfect fit for you!  

Plus, keep in mind that while the initial cost might be a bit higher than a storage tank heater, those energy-efficient benefits will lead to monthly savings that add up over time. 

The Costs Involved of Tankless Water Heaters:   

It’s also a good idea to think about all the costs involved with tankless water heaters! Yes, they do have higher upfront costs, but you’ll enjoy better savings each month thanks to their energy efficiency! 

Tankless Water Heaters are Best for Those with:  

  • With their endless supply of on-demand hot water, these water heaters are perfect for bigger homes or large families!  
  • They’re also a great choice for houses with a hot tub or soaking tub. 
Plumbing blog on the importance of understanding the differences between tank and tankless water heaters.

Understanding the differences between tank and tankless water heaters can really help you make a confident and informed choice for your home. We hope this has answered some of your questions and provided helpful insights to guide you in the right direction!  

As always, we’re here to help with any questions you might have! Feel free to reach out to Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain by calling us today at (614) 490-7531, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!