In the realm of water heaters, “tank or tankless” is arguably the question of the century. Before we go into details, let us first establish the general fact that both tank and tankless water heaters have their benefits and drawbacks. Nevertheless, there is one factor which will help you choose what’s best for you and that is your actual requirements.
Another influential factor is the brand you’re going with. Whether tank or tankless there will always be brands that are better than others and that’s a whole other story. The purpose of this article is to exhibit the factual attributes of both kinds of water heaters with no mention of brand differences. But don’t worry; I’m certain there is another article that will help you figure that out once you made up your mind. So what will it be: Tank or Tankless?
Table of Contents
Initial Cost
Truth is, tankless water heaters are a little intimidating when it comes to initial cost. A decent heater for a family of 4 begins at $600 and that’s scary when compared to a tank water heater in the same category which could cost you a couple hundred dollars less.
What that means is that in terms of initial cost, tank water heaters are significantly more comfortable. So, you should go with a tank water heater, right? Well, if you consider the overall expenses on the long run, you might have second thoughts. Tankless water heaters will preserve water and fuel (Gas or electricity) significantly better. In real numbers, a tankless water heater can save up to a 100$ on a yearly basis when compared to tank heaters. That means it literally pays for itself, making initial cost an insignificant factor.
Maintenance
First things first, Tank water heaters are a little independent factory which means that they require minimal effort to install. However, a factory also requires constant maintenance and that is the struggle of owning a tank heater. The tank in itself is quite a bear because if you neglect it for a while, it will start to rust up, accumulate sediments or even leak.
Admittedly, electric heaters are easier to maintain but if you own a gas powered water heater then you should consider hiring a licensed professional at least once a year for a general check up. That being said, you should know that other than the fact that ‘a tank means more responsibilities’, both tank and tankless water heaters require the same pipes, valves, ventilation systems and same maintenance necessities.
Efficiency
Speaking of efficiency, tankless water heaters are undisputed champions. Unlike tank heaters, a tankless water heater will never run out of hot water because it’s simply more powerful and can provide hot water on command (which makes them more convenient for big families and houses). That means, you don’t have to worry about running out anymore nor will you let your excess tank reserve go to waste because you don’t need hot water anymore.
Tankless water heaters are smaller which makes it possible to install them within your household and near your point of use which won’t only make hot water run faster but it’ll also make controlling it less of a burden. These heaters are so compact that they can go in a closet and always remain within your reach. So, forget about going all the way down to the basement to press a button.
Another important feature of tankless water heaters is that they can live longer which explains the long warranties that they come with. Statistically, tankless water heaters can live up to 20 years while tank heaters would only last somewhere around 12.
Conclusion
We always seek a purchase that would make our life easier and less troublesome. After all, that is the purpose of all these machines that we keep buying and if it fails that purpose then it shouldn’t be considered an upgrade.
Therefore, tank or tankless water heaters will both provide you with hot water but which would suit you best because in the end, it all goes back to your needs and limitations. So, think smart and don’t rush it.