Trying to choose between a classic water heater with a storage tank and a tankless water heater is something you’ll probably face at some point. After all, water heaters are the gold standard for a dependable source of hot water. Because your plumbing fixtures and home appliances depend on this hot water, it’s always important to carefully compare your options.

This handy guide from your local experts at Ameri-Tec lays out tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the unique aspects of their design along with some advantages and disadvantages of each type. These valuable insights will help you make an informed choice based on your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve decided, feel free to contact our installers for expert tank water heater installation.

Conventional Storage Tank Water Heaters: The Reliable Choice

Let's get to know conventional storage tank water heaters first. That sizable storage tank is the central feature here, ensuring you have an ample supply of water that’s continually heated. Whenever you need hot water, a tank water heater can provide it.

Pros:

  • Budget-Friendly Installation: Tank water heaters will have lower up-front installation costs, thanks to their straightforward design.
  • Streamlined Maintenance Needs: This simpler design also translates into fewer potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Continuous Energy Use: Tank water heaters must keep water perpetually heated, which means wasted energy if you’re not regularly using that water.
  • Bulky Size: The tank itself can be a problem in smaller spaces. If your home is missing a basement or utility closet, installation becomes a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Cutting-Edge Comfort

Now, let's consider tankless water heaters, an energy-efficient alternative that’s providing more flexibility to homeowners. Distinct from tank models, tankless water heaters operate only as required. They’re heating up water only when needed, using efficient heating elements as the water passes through the system.

Pros:

  • Improved Energy Efficiency: Tankless models boast much higher energy efficiency since they’re not operating nonstop.
  • Longer Life Span: With routine maintenance from a skilled professional, tankless water heaters can offer many years of service.

Cons:

  • Higher Setup Cost: Initial installation costs are higher due to the more sophisticated design.
  • More Frequent Maintenance: Tankless models will usually need more regular servicing to keep their important parts working efficiently.
  • Potential Need to Update Plumbing Infrastructure Updates: Older homes aren't always prepared for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can adapt your plumbing to accommodate one, but it might complicate your installation project.

Choosing the Right Water Heater: Tailored to Your Comfort

In general, we’d recommend the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters can offer. But this may be dependent on variables like how much hot water you need day to day. You should reflect on your specific hot water needs before you make your selection.

  1. Your Average Hot Water Consumption: Gauge how much hot water your household uses on average. For instance, large families who are active in sports or have pets usually need much more hot water than if you live by yourself.
  2. Sufficient Space to Install It: The layout of your home can affect how efficient a water heater operates. Review potential installation locations and consult with professionals if your model is the right fit.
  3. Regional Climate: Brutally cold winters mean a water heater that works harder. This is more noticeable with tankless models, which are most efficient when there won’t be any big spikes in water usage.
  4. Utility Costs: Your average energy prices can make one option more appealing over the other.

Remember, a trained professional like those at Ameri-Tec can help you in making a more educated decision. They understand which makes and models meet your specific needs before ensuring a smoother installation process.

Reach Out to Ameri-Tec

If you're thinking about a switch to a tankless water heater in Narvon, why not call Ameri-Tec for a complimentary quote? Our professional plumbing technicians can offer the peace of mind that you’ll always have the hot water you need. Call today at 717-479-4950.