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If you’re trying to figure out whether to install a tankless or tank-based water heater in your Greenville, TX home, you may be wondering whether one option is better than the other. There’s really no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Looking at the differences between these two options can help you figure out which one is the right choice. Our team at Patterson Plumbing can assist with the selection process.
How Water Heaters Work
A traditional storage water heater fills up with water that it heats and keeps warm until it’s needed. In contrast, a tankless water heater only heats water when you turn on the hot water tap. This is the primary difference between the two options, with other considerations, including power source, upfront investment, and efficiency. Each model has different features, pros, and cons to consider.
The Upfront and Ongoing Cost
If you’re on a tight budget, a traditional storage water heater is usually the better choice. Tankless water heaters cost more to install. However, tankless water heaters also cost less to run. Over time, you’ll spend more money on your utility bills with the tank water heater than the tankless one.
Considering Energy Efficiency
The reason that a tankless water heater costs less to run is that it’s more energy efficient. A storage-based water heater must keep water in the tank warm whether you’re using it or not. The loss of energy with a storage tank is known as standby loss. It refers to heat from the stored water being released into the air, causing the water heater to work harder to keep it warm. If the more sustainable choice is important to you, a tankless water heater is the right purchase.
Space for Equipment
If you live in a residence where space is at a premium, you’ll want to go with a tankless water heater. It can be mounted on a wall, freeing up floor space. With a tank model, you need room for what may be a relatively large storage tank.
Water Heater Lifespan
Tankless water heaters generally last longer than storage tank water heaters. You should consider cost and savings over the lifespan of your unit. While there are no guarantees, a storage water heater might last just 10 years. A tankless water heater could operate for as long as 20 years.
Water Heater Performance
There can be some substantial differences in performances between these two models. Comparing these details with our assistance allows you to make an educated selection.
Storage Tank Capacity
With a storage water heater, you run the risk of using up all the water in the tank. You’ll then have to wait for it to reheat more water. With a tankless water heater, you don’t have to worry about running out of hot water. Essentially, you have an unlimited supply.
Simultaneous Hot Water Use
What balances the unlimited supply of hot water from a tankless water heater is the fact that they may not be able to supply hot water to as many fixtures at the same time as a storage water heater. However, this depends on several factors, including the flow rate of the tankless water heater and the size of the storage water heater that you’re comparing.
You might read some articles that make this performance difference seem very stark, but in practice, figuring out which is best for you based on these differences is a little bit more complex. For example, a large storage water heater may help guarantee that you always have hot water for multiple fixtures whenever you want it.
However, if this is an infrequent occurrence, your water heater may waste a lot of energy keeping stored, unneeded water hot. Tankless water heaters can vary a great deal in their flow rate. How many people are in your household and how you use hot water are both additional factors you’ll need to consider when it comes to choosing a water heater.
Our Water Heater Services in the Greenville Area
You’re not alone when determining which type of water heater is ideal for your household. Even with all the above information, it can sometimes be tough to decide. At Patterson Plumbing, we’ll answer any questions you have about water heaters and help you determine whether you should install a tankless or a tank-based water heater.
We’re a locally owned company with a trusted name, and we offer a variety of water heater services, including installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement. When you need to schedule a water heater installation, contact us at Patterson Plumbing in Greenville.
