Did you know there are multiple types of water heaters? Both have advantages and disadvantages.
You may wonder which one is best for you. Weighing the pros and cons of each will help you make a smart and informed decision.
Understanding how each water heater works is essential. That’s why we describe the features of each one below.
Types of water heaters
There are two main types of water heaters, those with a tank and those that are tankless. These descriptions will help you choose the one that’s right for you.
With tank
A water heater with a tank is the more affordable option and doesn’t take long to install. If you choose this option, it will be up and running within a few hours.
Dedicate a space in your home for your water heater tank. Tanks hold between 20 and 80 gallons of hot water and will not survive harsh weather conditions.
However, protecting your traditional water heater pays off during power outages as gas powered models will still run. There are also models that run on electricity and propane to consider if your house runs on one of these power sources.
These traditional water heaters tend to last between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance.
Tankless
Although they’re on the pricier side, tankless water heaters are efficient and made to last. Paying more upfront could save you money in the long run.
Generally, these units tend to be smaller and take up less space than their counterparts. There is one downside though. You might have to upgrade your home’s electrical system or run a dedicated gas line to support the water heater.
Do you need hot water right away? That isn’t a problem for a tankless system, which produces it on demand with gas or electric coils as long as you aren’t running water in too many places at once.
With proper care, your tankless water heater will stick around for 20 years or more.
Is one better than the other?
Whether you choose a water heater with or without a tank, there are a few things to consider. Ask yourself some of the following questions:
- What’s my budget?
- What power source am I using?
- What can my house support?
First, take how much you’re willing to spend upfront and down the line into account. You’ll pay more for a tankless system upfront but will save money since it lasts longer.
Are your heating systems powered by gas, electricity or propane? Consider how much energy each type of water heater will use because monthly costs add up quickly.
Water heaters can only support so many uses at once. Installing a dedicated gas line or upgrading your electrical system is expensive. Choose a system with a tank if your home can’t support a tankless model without these features.
One isn’t better than the other, but you should think about your water heating needs before coming to a decision.
