Tanked Water Heaters vs. Tankless Water Heaters
In today’s homes and businesses, there are two types of water heaters primarily used: tanked water heaters and tankless water heaters. Tanked water heaters are the older and more common form of water heating system. They have the benefits of lower installation costs and no natural gas or circuitry changes upon installation. Tankless water heaters are a newer type of water heater that does not use a storage tank. This gives them the benefits of energy efficiency, space efficiency, and faster water heating times. In this guide we provide overviews for both types of water heating systems. Read on to learn more about tanked vs. tankless water heaters.
What Are Traditional Tanked Water Heaters and How Do They Work?
Traditional tanked water heaters are the most common type of water heaters found in both residential and commercial properties today. Tanked water heaters have two jobs: to heat water and to store the heated water. They accomplish these jobs through their built-in heating systems and insulated tanks. Tanked water heaters heat a given amount of water in a cycle. When this cycle begins, water is pumped into the tank and heated. Hot water remains in the tank, kept warm until used. The heating system found on a traditional tanked water heater may be fuel-fired or electric.
Is a Tanked Water Heater the Right Choice for Your Property? Benefits and Drawbacks
As the most common type of water heater used in homes and businesses today, the tanked water heater has proven itself in terms of reliability. It is also more affordable to purchase and install when compared to its newer cousin, the tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters often require circuitry changes or gas line work upon installation. Tanked water heaters, however, do not heat water as efficiently as tankless water heaters. Depending on the specifications of your property and your own usage habits, it may end up costing you more on energy bills over time.
What Are Tankless Water Heaters and How Do They Work?
The tankless water heater is a relatively new type of water heater that heats “on demand” without the need for storage. Instead, they use powerful gas burners or electric elements to heat water the moment it passes through en route to one of the many fixtures in a property.
Is a Tankless Water Heater the Right Choice for Your Property? Benefits and Drawbacks
Tankless water heaters heat water whenever it is needed. This means that with a tankless, the problem of running out of hot water is a thing of the past. Tanked water heater can deplete its stored water and take time to refill. With tankless water heaters, as long as you have running water, you have hot water.
The Biggest Benefit: Energy- And Cost-Efficiency
Depending on the quantity of hot water your property requires, you can expect an average cost savings of 20 – 35% off your monthly energy bill. The savings is due to the fact that tankless water heaters do not have to continually heat stored water like their tanked cousins. Additional factors are the powerful heating elements within tankless water heaters and the lack of a need for insulation.
A Potential Drawback: Flow Rates May Be Limited
This happens in settings where water is used in multiple places at once (i.e. someone is washing clothes and someone else is taking a shower at the same time). The remedy: Install more than one system in their homes to meet the demand of simultaneous use. It is common to use a separate unit for a dishwasher, washing machine, or a remote bathtub that is on another level of your home on the opposite side of the kitchen. Since tankless water heaters are very space efficient, they can be installed in a number of spaces without any concerns of obstruction.
Another drawback that often comes with installing a tankless is the need for an electrical upgrade. Electric tankless water heaters require a relatively high electric power draw because water must be heated quickly to the desired temperature. Therefore, in some cases, a property’s electric service may need to be upgraded.
Water Heater Consultations and Installations
1-800-anytyme is committed to providing our clients with exceptional plumbing services at affordable prices. Looking for repairs and servicing on your existing water heater? Need an all-new water heater system installed on your property? Our experienced team is the one to call. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive and straightforward assessment of your property, your usage needs, and which type of heater we believe would work best for your space. To learn more about water heater installation and servicing here at 1-800-anytyme, give us a call at (760) 477-0072 today!