Choosing the right water heater is important. You need to decide between two main types: storage tank and tankless. Here is a simple comparison to help you understand the difference. This way, you can decide which one is best for you.
What is a Water Heater?
A water heater heats water in your home. It provides hot water for showers, baths, and cleaning. Without one, your home would not have hot water. When replacing a water heater, think about what type you need. Should you choose a storage tank or tankless?
What is a Storage Tank Water Heater?
A storage tank water heater is the most common type. It stores hot water in a big tank. The tank can hold 20 to 80 gallons of water. The heater keeps the water hot all the time. When you need hot water, it comes from the tank. After use, cold water fills the tank. This method wastes energy. The heater must keep the water hot all the time. This leads to standby heat loss. Standby heat loss is the energy lost when the heater is not in use. Over time, this can increase your energy bills.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater works differently. It does not store hot water. It heats the water only when you need it. The heater starts heating water when you turn on the tap. This way, no energy is wasted.
Tankless water heaters are more efficient. They do not waste energy heating water that is not used. However, they have a downside. If you use a lot of hot water at once, it may struggle. For example, it might not keep up if you use two showers at the same time. This can be fixed by installing more than one tankless heater.
Gas-powered tankless heaters can waste some energy. They keep the pilot light burning all the time. This can waste energy. You can choose a model with an intermittent ignition device. This only lights the pilot when needed.
Things to Think About When Choosing a Water Heater
Initial Cost
When looking at the cost, storage tank water heaters are cheaper at first. They usually cost between $300 and $1,500. Some high-end models may cost more than $2,000.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive. They can cost between $115 and $2,500. If you want a solar-powered model, it may cost up to $6,000.
You can use online calculators to help you decide the size of the heater you need. These calculators can also show you the expected energy costs for each type of heater.
Installation Cost
Installation costs can vary. Installing a storage tank water heater costs between $881 and $1,800. Installing a tankless water heater is more expensive. It costs around $1,250 on average, but it can range from $350 to $12,000.
You might be able to install a storage tank water heater yourself. However, installing a tankless water heater is more complicated. It’s best to hire a professional.
Performance
A storage tank water heater works well if you use a lot of hot water at once. If you have a big family or often use hot water at the same time, a storage tank will keep up. It won’t run out of hot water as long as you have enough capacity.
Tankless water heaters may have trouble if you use a lot of hot water at the same time. For example, if you are using two showers, the heater may not keep up. You can solve this by installing more than one tankless water heater.
Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient. They only heat water when it’s needed. There is no standby heat loss. The U.S. Department of Energy says that tankless heaters are 8 to 34% more efficient than storage tank heaters.
Storage tank water heaters can be energy-efficient too. If you buy an insulated model, it will lose less heat. This will help save energy.
How Long Does It Last?
Tankless water heaters last longer than storage tank models. A storage tank heater lasts about 10 to 15 years. A tankless water heater can last 20 years or more. However they are not infallible. For instance the famous Navien Tankless heater users often face Navien Error Code 515-09 Abnormal PCB
To make a storage tank heater last longer, replace parts like the anode rod. This helps prevent rust and corrosion. If you have hard water, you might need to replace the rod more often.
Conclusion
When comparing storage tank water heaters and tankless water heaters, tankless is better in most cases. It is more energy-efficient and lasts longer. However, it costs more to buy and install.
If price is important to you, use calculators to compare the energy savings of a tankless heater. Think about your family’s hot water needs. If you often need a lot of hot water at once, a storage tank water heater may be better. If you choose a storage tank, ask about replacing parts like the anode rod to help it last longer.
FAQs
Which water heater is cheaper to buy?
Storage tank water heaters are cheaper.
Do tankless water heaters waste energy?
No, they only heat water when needed.
How long do tankless water heaters last?
They can last 20 years or more.
Can I install a tankless water heater myself?
It is better to hire a professional.
Will a storage tank water heater run out of hot water?
No, it provides hot water as long as the tank has capacity.
How much does it cost to install a storage tank heater?
Installation costs between $881 and $1,800.
Are tankless water heaters more efficient than storage tank heaters?
Yes, they are more energy-efficient.
