The Great Debate: Tanked or Tankless

The Great Debate: Tanked or Tankless

Choosing the right home improvement options can be a challenge; take the water heater for example. Tank systems have a reputation as energy guzzlers with steady temperatures as long as the water lasts. Tankless are known for being upfront, more expensive, & never get the water hot enough but are very energy efficient. While there is some truth on either side, both types have their pros and cons when considering which one to pick for your home.

Tankless Water Heaters
Also called on demand water heaters, tankless as the name suggests don’t store water but instead only heat what’s needed & only when there is a demand for it. Now the answer is yes, they do cost more upfront to install. Initial equipment cost to the possibility of needing to refit gas lines & pipes for a different system all add into this. The lower operating cost & energy savings from a tankless do add up over time essentially “paying for itself”. Other benefits include a 20 to 30 year lifespan & a very minimal footprint left on the home itself. As drawbacks go, the biggest of this system is its inability to process and create the hot water needed for multiple appliances or showers at a time.

Tank Water Heaters
Standard in most homes, tank systems heat & store water waiting until it’s needed reliably providing what we need for daily use. Most residential tanks come in sizes ranging from 20 to 70 gallons with options for electric or gas power. Models today are being manufactured with newer technology, decreasing operating cost through greater energy efficiency. Points go to tank water heaters for being able to sustain the water needed from multiple sources at once. Installing one is also usually simple, it uses connections the previous tank did. Deciding which to choose comes down to what fits each individual home.To make it a little simpler ask yourself a few questions: How much demand is there going to be by each machine? How many people are going to be using the hot water? What does your budget look like?

Need a hand picking the right one? Hansen Plumbing experts are ready to help! Give us a call today to schedule a consultation 251-471-5151.