Heating water is one of the most important aspects of a home. Thanks to modern technology , we have more choices than ever before, but selecting the water heater that’s right for you can be a headache. Take a look at our tips to help you decide!
1.) Tankless doesn’t mean instant ~ Yes a tankless makes hot water instantaneously, but it still has to warm the piping between the unit and the faucet you are using and purge cold water from the lines.
2.) Endless hot water ~ If you are looking for endless, and unlimited hot water, tankless may be a good choice. Tankless water heaters offer the convenience of never running out of hot water. This is very helpful if you have a family of 4 or more people that take showers near the same time of day.
3.) Tank water heaters offer simplicity ~ Tanked water heaters have been around for years and generally use commonly available replacement parts, usually available same day or next day. Tankless heaters often need parts direct from the factory.
4.) Tank water heaters can be replaced SAME DAY ~ If you have a tanked water heater , most pros can replace them the same day you call (If they can’t you may need another Plumber). Tankless water heaters on the other hand , require more planning and installation time. If you want to go tankless, its best to do so before your tank heater NEEDS replacing.
5.) Lifespan and maintenance ~ Tankless last 20+ years , but require more maintenance due to their complex nature. Tanked heaters last 10-12 years , but require little to no maintenance.
6.) Energy use ~ Tankless heaters only run when there is a call for heat , and have no standby heat loss. Tankless heaters also use only the fuel necessary to heat the water to your desired temperature. Tanked heaters lose heat to room air and operate in the 60-70% efficiency range, compared to tankless at 80% or more!
7.) Electric vs Gas tankless ~ If electric is your only option, you may be stuck with a tank water heater. In our region electric tankless water heaters do not preform as well due to lower inlet water temperature. Gas tankless preform well enough to provide you with 2-3 showers running constantly in winter time.
8.) Install cost ~ Tank type water heaters are the least expensive to install ranging from $1800-$3500 depending on type and fuel. Tankless generally start in the $5,000 range and can go up to nearly $10,000 depending on what modifications are required to accommodate the new technology and install practices.
If you are still unsure about what choice is right for you and your family , we’d be happy to provide a site inspection!
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