Everything You Need To Know About These Two Different Types of Water Heaters
A hot water heater is so much more than just an appliance – it’s an essential component of every home.
From taking a hot shower every morning to washing dishes, a hot water heater is such an important part of your everyday life. For this reason, when it comes time to replace your existing hot water heater, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the options that are available
Purchasing a new water heater is a major investment, so knowing which type of heater would best suit your home and lifestyle will help you make the best decision for your home and family.
In this article, we will compare tankless water heaters and tank storage water heaters and explain the key differences between these two options. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is also known as an on-demand water heater or instantaneous water heater. This type of water heater heats water directly as it flows through the unit, rather than storing the hot water in a tank.
When someone in the house turns on a tap, cold water will enter the heater and pass through a heat exchanger before being quickly heated by the water heater. This means you will have a continuous supply of hot water, as long as the demand does not exceed the unit’s capacity.
What is a Tank Storage Water Heater?
A tank storage water heater is also called a traditional or conventional water heater and comes in different sizes to accommodate your specific needs. This type of unit stores and heats a predetermined amount of water in a tank that is insulated in order to minimize heat loss.
The water that sits in the tank is continuously heated and maintained at a specific temperature, ready for use anytime you turn on your tap or shower. As you use your hot water throughout the day, the tank will continuously fill back up.
How Do They Differ?​​
The main difference between a tankless water heater and a tank storage water heater is how they heat and deliver hot water. However, there are some other key differences that are important to consider when shopping for a new water heater. We will explore the different ways these two heaters differ from one another below.
Hot Water Supply
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, as long as the unit’s capacity is able to meet the demand. Tank storage water heaters, on the other hand, store a limited amount of hot water and can eventually run out if you use too much hot water. While the tank will eventually refill, you may be without hot water temporarily until the tank reheats.
Energy Efficiency
Generally speaking, tankless water heaters tend to be more energy-efficient than tank storage heaters. The reason for this is that they only heat water on-demand, so the system isn’t unnecessarily heating water that won’t be used.
Tank storage water heaters, on the other hand, continuously heat the water in the tank, regardless of whether the water gets used. If you’re prioritizing energy savings, be sure to check out further steps to ensure home energy efficiency during winter.
Size
Tankless water heaters are smaller and more compact than tank storage heaters. They are also wall-mounted, which means they take up significantly less space.
Lifespan
Tankless water heaters don’t need to be replaced as often as tank storage water heaters because they don’t store water and are less likely to experience corrosion and mineral buildup over time.
Cost
Tankless water heaters are generally more expensive to purchase compared to tank storage water heaters. However, they end up being less expensive to use long-term since they are more energy efficient.
Which Option You Should Choose
When deciding between a tankless and a tank storage water heater, remember to consider all of the factors mentioned above and take into account your budget and lifestyle.
If you are a Kelowna homeowner in need of a new water heater system but don’t know which option to choose, give us a call. At My Plumber Kelowna, we have a team of trained HVAC professionals who can help you choose the perfect water heating system for your home and lifestyle and install it for you.
Call us today at 250-601-0000 or fill out a form on our website and we will be in touch ASAP.
