Choosing between a classic water heater with a storage tank or a newer, tankless water heater is a decision most homeowners face at some point. After all, water heaters are the gold standard for a dependable source of hot water. Because your plumbing fixtures and home appliances rely on this hot water, it’s always crucial to consider all your options carefully.

This useful guide from the local experts at Classic Air lays out tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the unique aspects of their design along with some benefits and drawbacks of each model. These valuable insights will ensure you can make an educated choice that meets your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve made your decision, give us a call for expert tank water heater installation.

Storage Tank Water Heaters: A Time-Tested Favorite

Let's examine conventional storage tank water heaters first. That large storage tank is the key feature here, ensuring you have a generous supply of water that’s always heated. Whenever you need hot water, a tank water heater can deliver it.

Pros:

  • More Affordable Setup: Tank water heaters will have lower up-front installation costs, thanks in part to a less complex design.
  • Simplified Upkeep: This simpler design also leads to less potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Continuous Energy Use: Tank water heaters have to keep water constantly heated, which means extra cost if you’re not frequently using that water.
  • Space Requirements: The tank itself could become a challenge in smaller spaces. If the property is missing a basement or utility closet, installation becomes a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Efficient and Innovative

Now, let's consider tankless water heaters, an energy-efficient alternative that’s comparatively recent. Compared to tank models, tankless water heaters operate on-demand. They’re generating hot water only when needed, using efficient heating elements as the water comes through the system.

Pros:

  • Greater Energy Savings: Tankless models are much more energy efficient since they aren’t always on.
  • A Smart, Resilient Design: With proper maintenance from a skilled professional, tankless water heaters can boast many years of service.

Cons:

  • Larger Initial Investment: Initial installation costs are higher due to the more complex design.
  • May Need More Upkeep: Tankless models do best when provided more regular servicing to keep their vital components working efficiently.
  • Potential Need to Update Plumbing Infrastructure Updates: Older homes may not be ready for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can adapt your plumbing to accommodate one, but it may add another layer of difficulty to your installation project.

Picking Your Water Heater: Consider What Suits You Best

For most homes, we’d recommend the stronger energy efficiency that tankless water heaters are capable of. But this may be dependent on variables like how much hot water you go through every day. You’ll want to have a basic idea of how much water is needed to meet your specific hot water needs before you make your choice.

  1. Your Home’s Usual Hot Water Requirements: Gauge how much hot water your household uses on average. As an example, large families who enjoy sports or have pets usually need a lot more hot water than if you live by yourself.
  2. How Much Space the Heater Itself Needs: The dimensions of your home can impact how well a water heater operates. Review all possible installation locations and consult with professionals if your model is the right fit.
  3. Regional Climate: Long winters mean your water heater will need more energy. This reduces the efficiency of tankless models, which are better in situations when there won’t be any large fluctuations in water usage.
  4. Energy Prices: Your community’s utility rates can render one option more attractive over the other.

Keep in mind, experienced pros like those at Classic Air can assist you in making a more knowledgeable decision. They understand which units meet your specific needs before facilitating a smoother installation process.

Get a Quote from Classic Air

If you're ready to make the switch to a tankless water heater in Columbus, why not call Classic Air for a no-cost quote? Our skilled plumbing technicians can provide the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 614-210-3041.