Still having trouble deciding what your next water heater should be? There’s the classic tank water heater, and the trendy tankless water heater. Both of them have been used in homes for decades, so there’s no doubt that either one of them can provide hot water to your home without fail.
The real concern, of course, is which set of features is going to be more convenient for your home. Keep reading to get some more clarification between the two.
Tank Water Heaters
These are some of the most common water heaters you’ll see in homes. One reason for that might be because they simply do the job required of them at a low price.
SIZING
These heaters are like a big teapot, storing up water and heating it for your use. For this reason, tank water heaters come in different sizes by the gallon.
Why the need for different sizes? That’s because once a tank heater’s hot water supply runs out, there will be a big delay in time as it heats up a new batch. By having a larger reserve of water to draw from, you can use the hot water for longer (or for more appliances) without having to refill it so frequently.
STANDBY HEAT LOSS
Unfortunately, one drawback is that the hot water that goes unused will suffer from standby heat loss. If you install a tank that’s too large for your needs, you might even see this standby heat loss appearing as a spike in your energy bill. Tank heaters are more affordable upfront, but it’s important not to buy in with a “bigger is better” mentality.
FUEL TYPES
Tank water heaters are available for both gas and electric fuel systems. Both types are affordable and offer around the same benefits, so the type of fuel system you use is largely up to what’s convenient for you and your needs.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are an alternative to tank heaters that function in a fundamentally different way. As the name suggests, they don’t use a tank! Instead, these systems create hot water through electrical resistance. The hot water only comes on when you need it.
MORE EFFICIENT
This makes tankless water heaters the most efficient option in the long-run. No standby heat loss means no wasted energy. Plus, they last just as long as tank heaters, so you’ll still get the same amount of use over time.
SIZING IS ESSENTIAL
If your tankless water heater is not properly sized by an expert who knows water heaters in Pasadena, CA, then you risk getting a unit that isn’t powerful enough for the home. A tankless water heater can be extremely efficient for a smaller family, and it can still be a great option even for a large family. Proper sizing is essential to ensure that the water heater won’t be overtaxed.
FUEL TYPES
Tankless water heaters are typically available as electric powered. There are natural gas models available, but they can be even more expensive. Choose the fuel type for your tankless water heater carefully!
Contact Total Comfort, Inc. today to schedule an estimate for water heater installation.