If you’re in the market for a new water heater, you may be wondering how tank and tankless models compare. We’ll discuss the two types of heaters so you can discover which might be best for you.
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Traditional tank water heaters and tankless water heaters both heat water for your home, but a tank heater stores hot water in a cylindrical storage tank, while a tankless heater draws cold water from the main supply and heats it on demand. Both types of heaters use natural gas, propane, or electricity to power their heating elements.
What Is a Tank Water Heater, and How Does It Work?
Tank water heaters are America’s most common type of water heater. They continuously heat water in an insulated 40- to 120-gallon tank. This keeps a full supply of hot water ready for use when the tank is full (and hasn’t been recently emptied). The tank is connected to a cold water supply, and when water flows into the container, its inner elements heat it up as the tank fills. The hot water rises to the top of the tank and flows out of a pipe that connects to the faucets and showerheads in your home.
What Are the Types of Tank Water Heaters?
All tank water heaters heat water and keep it hot as they store it. Their size is proportional to their capacity; the smallest tank heaters are usually about five feet tall by two feet wide. They typically stand on the floor of a closet or a basement.
How Long Do Tank Water Heaters Last?
Properly serviced tank water heaters typically last 10 to 15 years. You should clean them periodically to flush away sediment and mineral buildup that can clog valves and lead to corrosion. Poorly maintained heaters can leak and have a shorter lifespan.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Tank Water Heaters?
Pros:
- are less expensive to purchase, install, and repair than tankless heaters.
- keep large volumes of water hot and ready for immediate use when the tank is full.
- hold enough water for a series of uses.
- can supply hot water to different areas of the house at the same time.
Cons:
- are less efficient and more expensive to operate than tankless heaters.
- can take a few minutes to heat water.
- are large, heavy machines that need to be kept in a dedicated space.
- can develop leaks that could cause major damage to your home.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater, and How Does It Work?
Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, are connected to a cold water supply. Their elements heat up water in minutes when you turn on the tap. The units don’t store water, so they only burn fuel when you turn the hot water on. As the water passes through a heat exchanger, it quickly comes up to temperature, runs through your water pipes, and flows out of your showerhead or faucet.
What Are the Types of Tankless Water Heaters?
Tankless heaters can be small point-of-use or larger whole-house heaters. Point-of-use heaters heat water for a single area, like a bathroom, while whole-house heaters can send hot water to several showers, sinks, and appliances. Both versions can be wall mounted, and larger units are usually about two feet tall by one foot wide.
Tankless water heaters may use condensing or non-condensing technology. Condensing water heaters reuse their exhaust to add heat to the water and reduce overall heat loss, but they can be susceptible to corrosion. Non-condensing tankless water heaters vent most of their surplus heat outside your house, but they are less efficient.
How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last?
A well-maintained tankless water heater can last up to 20 years. Removing hard water and mineral buildup from the heating elements is key to the heater’s longevity.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters?
Pros:
- are smaller, more efficient, cheaper to operate, and longer-lasting than tank water heaters.
- can heat up as much water as you need whenever you need it.
- take up less space than tank water heaters.
Cons:
- are less common and more expensive to purchase and install than tank heaters.
- may require making changes to your plumbing, electric, or gas systems.
- take a few minutes to heat up cold water.
- may be more difficult and costly to maintain than tank heaters.
Which Type of Water Heater Is Right for You?
Choosing the right type of water heater depends on your needs, goals, and values. Consider the size of your space and how long you plan to live there, your average water consumption, and your budget. Next, rank the benefits of the heaters you like and make an informed decision. If energy efficiency and lower utility bills are a top priority, you may prefer a tankless heater. If you require a reliable, low-maintenance heater with a lower up-front cost, a tank heater may be the best choice. Whichever type you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the everyday luxury of having hot water when you need it.