Assessing your current water heater and considering replacement? Fortunately, there are a lot of different options out there when it comes to water heaters, including various types of tanked and tankless water heaters. But which one saves the most money? Which one best fits your budget and long-term goals? Our team at Buie Brothers Plumbing of Mint Hill, North Carolina takes the guesswork out of selecting a new water heater and can educate you on the pros and cons of each choice available.
What is a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters, commonly known as on-demand water heaters, deliver hot water to your faucets or shower without needing a storage tank. They quickly heat the water as it passes through a heat exchanger using high-powered burners. They are powered by either electricity or gas, depending on the hookups in the home the tankless water heater is being installed.
What is a tanked or “conventional” water heater?
Standard in most homes is the storage tank water heater with an insulated tank, usually holding anywhere between 30 to 50 gallons of water. This conventional system heats and stores water until it is needed. Depending on their fuel source, including gas or electricity, the operational costs and energy efficiency can vary. Most gas storage tank water heaters use nearly half the energy compared to their electric counterparts, making them much more cost-effective in a home.
What is the energy efficiency of today’s tankless water heaters?
If you are a homeowner who consumes 40 gallons or less of hot water each day, you can expect a higher energy efficiency from your tankless water heater compared to storage tank heaters. Despite the initial purchase cost being higher for a tankless water heater, they have a longer lifespan, often up to two decades or more, when compared to a comparable tanked model.
What are the pros and cons of tanked and tankless water heaters?
While tankless water heaters offer numerous advantages, such as monetary savings over time, longer life spans, space-saving designs, and quick hot water delivery, they also have some disadvantages. These include higher initial costs and the possibility of not being able to handle the high demand for hot water.
As for storage tank water heaters, they are less expensive upfront and easier to repair and maintain compared to tankless varieties. However, they require more space, have higher utility bills, and offer limited hot water supply, requiring frequent replacements.
How to know when to choose either a tankless or storage tanked water heater.
The choice between a tankless water heater and a storage tank model ultimately comes down to your needs and financial capabilities. If the initial cost is not a constraint, a tankless water heater can provide long-term savings. However, a traditional storage tank is a good option if you are budget-conscious and looking for simpler maintenance.
Who can I reach in the Mint Hill, North Carolina, area for assistance in choosing a new water heater?
If you are looking for trusted advice, consider speaking to the team at Buie Brothers Plumbing. Seeking expert advice can prove beneficial when it comes to choosing the selection best for your needs. Contact Buie Brothers Plumbing today to guide you through the decision-making process. They serve those looking for general plumbing needs and water heaters in Mint Hill, North Carolina, and can be reached by calling (980) 451-5627 or by completing this form.