Understanding Storage Tank vs Tankless Water Heaters
The differences in tankless vs storage tank water heaters can be summed up in four categories:
Convenience
The biggest problems that people have with their hot water is not having enough. You may find that hot water doesn’t last long enough for everyone in your family to get a shower, or that it runs out partway through. These are problems that only exist with a storage tank water heater (aka tank water heaters). Tankless water heaters can solve those problems. How? It’s because of how the two kinds of heaters work:
Storage tank heaters preheat a limited amount of water in their tank. You can get bigger tanks, but they’re expensive and there’s still a limit. If you use up all the hot water in the tank, you run out until it refills and reheats. This is what makes taking a long shower no fun.
Tankless heaters heat up water as it’s needed—whenever you turn the faucet. They can bring water up to steaming, soothing temperatures in a matter of seconds. They can provide hot water indefinitely.
Efficiency
One of the biggest things homeowners want out of a new water heater is energy efficiency. This is where there’s the most dramatic difference between the two heaters:
A storage tank heater operates continuously. That means it’s running even when you’re asleep, and much of that hot water will never even be used. That’s a lot of wasted energy—that you pay for.
A tankless heater only heats water on demand. It’s a smaller, compact system that flash-heats water when you need it, and turns off as soon as you turn off the faucet. Tankless heaters are designed to save energy.
Cost
The cost advantages depend on whether you want a quick fix or a long-term investment:
Storage tank water heaters cost less up front but are expensive to run and wear out sooner.
Tankless heaters cost slightly more up front, but can save you substantially on your monthly bills. Comparing a standard tank heater (50-gallon, electric) with an equivalent tankless (condensed gas-fired unit), the tankless unit can reduce energy costs by 60% or more.
Installation & Maintenance
Installation costs on tankless heaters have come down recently, and Noritz offers models that are compatible with the same gas line and ventilation stacks as traditional water heaters. Plus, Noritz can help you find a licensed installer wherever you live. That means the two heaters are now much more evenly matched.
But after installation, the difference is clear:
Tank water heaters are old technology, and they have flaws. Minerals build up inside the tank as it’s cooked over and over. Most tanks last only 10-12 years before they have to be replaced, and typically come with just a 6-year warranty.
Tankless water heaters are modern and more effective. They last up to 20 years with very little maintenance. And Noritz backs most water heaters with a 10-year warranty or longer.
Isn’t it time your home made the switch?
The water heater is probably the appliance least thought about in the home – until it fails. And when water heaters go bad, many do so in grand (ugly) fashion. Nearly three of every four water heaters fail due to a tank bursting or leaking 30 to 80 gallons of rusty water – depending on tank size – in your finished basement, attic or garage. Look for energy-efficient, certified ENERGY STAR water heaters, as new technologies can shave anywhere from 7 to 55 percent off household water-heating costs.
We, at Cagle Service Heating and Air, do offer new water heaters. If you have any questions or if you need to set up an estimate, call us at 731-300-1030! We serve Jackson TN and the surrounding areas.
