Are Tankless Water Heaters Better Than Storage Tank Heaters? | Atlanta, GA
As a homeowner you probably know how expensive a water heater can be, even if it’s an appliance that is supposed to last over 10 years or more. Because of this, when the time comes to get a new one, some of the things you have to keep in mind when making your selection is the price, how efficient it is, and how long it has been designed to last. In order to help you decide between tankless water heaters and a storage tank heater for your Atlanta, GA home, we have created this helpful guide so you can make an informed decision as to which one is best for you. Let’s take a look.
First Things First: How Are They Different?
As their names suggest, traditional storage tank water heaters are the ones found in a large majority of homes across the country. They are large and they have a tank in which warm water is stored and kept at the temperature marked by the thermostat until it is required. On the other hand, tankless water heaters are more compact and produce hot water on demand. Tankless water heaters can produce hot water quickly thanks to high power burners. This means they are more energy efficient than traditional ones (up to 22 %!!). This energy efficiency is possible because. In storage tank heaters, the water that is in the tank must be continuously warmed until it is needed, which translates to the use of a larger amount of electricity or gas.
Additionally, it has been found that homes that own tankless water heaters use much less hot water per day than those that don’t. This increases their already high energy efficiency by about an additional 8-14 percent. Over the long run, this energy efficiency offsets the higher purchase price of tankless water heaters.
Another major difference between tankless water heaters and their storage tank counterparts is the longer life span of the tankless model. Studies have shown that tankless heaters can last over 20 years, with the storage tank models lasting only 10 to 15 years before they require replacement. Homeowners who have installed tankless heaters near the major hot water fixtures of their houses have noticed they save up to 50 percent on energy costs as compared to what they paid when they had storage tank heaters.
The Advantages of On Demand Heaters
Aside from being more energy efficient and compact, tankless water heaters have many other advantages, some of which are listed below:
Even though they are more expensive, they can help you save money – On demand (tankless) heaters are designed to be more energy efficient because they only heat the amount of water in the moment you require it. Storage tank heaters have to continue heating the water in their tank every time it starts cooling off, which means that they are working even when you aren’t using hot water.
Tankless heaters have longer life spans than the storage tank types – An on demand water heater can last up to 30 years, which is more than twice the expected life span of their traditional storage tank counterparts. This is especially true in areas that don’t have hard water, which can significantly lower the life expectancy of both types.
Tankless heaters require much less space – This is one of the great advantages of tankless water heaters, because they can be installed in small areas and even on your home’s outside walls if necessary.
Hot water is produced on demand – This is why tankless heaters are also known as “on demand water heaters”. They can produce hot water within a few seconds of you turning on the faucet or shower, and deliver about 3 gallons of water every minute, whereas storage tank heaters can take much longer to heat up the water in the tank.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
As with almost anything else, there can be a few drawbacks to installing tankless water heaters in your Atlanta, GA home, most of them having to do with cost. Let’s touch on them briefly.
Their purchase price is higher – On demand water heaters are more expensive to purchase than traditional storage tank heaters. This difference is usually offset by their higher energy efficiency and is usually reflected in your power bill.
Installing an on demand water heater can be expensive – This is especially true when you are switching over from a storage tank water heater to a tankless type. This is because the initial installation can take longer due to the relocation of pipes. This cost is also offset by its durability and energy efficiency.
You might have to purchase more than one heater – On demand water heaters may have trouble supplying enough hot water when you are using two hot water outlets at the same time. For example, if you are taking a shower while your washer is doing your laundry. The best way to prevent this issue is by installing one heater for your shower and another for your laundry room and/or kitchen.
Repairs may be more expensive – Given their complexity, tankless heaters can be more expensive to repair or replace, but all their benefits can far outweigh any drawbacks.
So, Which One Should You Get?
As mentioned above, cost can be a decisive factor in your decision. If you can afford the initial purchase price, it is definitely the way to go. In either case, you should always speak to a reputable installation tech at Peach Plumbing & Drain in Atlanta, GA to make sure you receive the best advice and high quality water heater installation and repair.
At Peach Plumbing & Drain, we are proud of the services we provide to customers like you. With many years of experience in the field, you can be sure that we will get the job done right the first time and every time. So, if you are in need of any type of plumbing service, don’t hesitate any longer and give us a call at Peach Plumbing & Drain today!
