PROS AND CONS OF TANK VS. TANKLESS WATER HEATER

Blog Layout

There are many factors to consider when considering a tank vs tankless water heater. For example, the life of the unit. Did you know a properly maintained tankless water heater can last 25 years or more? This more than doubles the life of the old ‘tank’ variety of water heaters. These days, a tank-style unit comes with a measly 6 year warranty. You can buy an added 4-6 year warranty. However, that’s going to cost you 250-500 more. By this time you could purchase a tankless unit. Gone are the days of the tank type water heaters lasting 15-20 years.

What are the pro’s and con’s of a tank vs. a tankless water heater?

Energy Efficiency

According to Energy.gov, a tankless unit can be up to 34% more energy efficient than the tank-style unit. Why? Because the old tank-units are continually heating the water in the tank. If you aren’t using the water, it cools down only to be reheated again and again. This uses a lot of energy.

Cost Considerations

While the tankless units save you money over time, they are more costly upfront. The primary disadvantage to a tankless unit is the upfront cost. Tankless units can cost you 2-3x what the old tank style units cost. Couple that with retrofit issues, your unit may require running electrical or moving water or gas lines and the overall cost of a tankless is higher than the tank model.

Space Considerations

A tankless water heater saves a lot of space. They can be installed in an attic, garage, closet or outside taking up very little space. This frees up the closet or area the old tank was located. Saving space is a major benefit to the tankless unit.

Endless Hot Water

Tankless water heaters actually heat the water as it flows. Your plumber will figure the best flow rate or gallons per minute. Depending on the square footage of your home, the number of people or the desired output, you can handle a shower or two plus appliances. This is a huge benefit for large families since the volume can handle showers, baths and appliances at the same time.

Flood Stop

Since there’s no tank to rupture, flooding issues are minimized with the tankless units. If your tank or tankless unit is located on the 2nd floor or an attic, a flood stop will minimize the chance for flooding. A Flood Stop works by shutting off the water heater unit and sounds an alarm if moisture is detected. Flood Stops can be installed for a tank or tankless unit. Tankless units offer peace of mind for this reason.

Electric and Gas Considerations

Gas water heaters generally cost less to operate than electric. However, a gas model water heater costs more up front. Gas considerations are true for both tank and tankless units. Many years ago, electric tankless units were not recommended. However, these days we install electric tankless units all day long. Electric tankless water heaters are extremely energy efficient. 98% of the energy used by an electric tankless is used to heat the water. They produce little to no greenhouse gasses. We install the Steibl Eltron which offers award winning features.

The top brand tankless models include the below which are linked to more information:

There are considerations to make when deciding on a tank vs tankless style water heater. Of course, contact Duncan Plumbing Solutions should you need professional and experienced help with installation, service or repair of your tank or tankless water heater.

The post PROS AND CONS OF TANK VS. TANKLESS WATER HEATER appeared first on Duncan Plumbing Solutions.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Spring into Action: Don't Let Water Leaks Rain on Your Parade!

26 Apr, 2024

A drop in water pressure or a high-water bill are both signs you have sprung a leak! Don't let an unexpected leak spring up on you!

Summer Hydration

01 Apr, 2024

Summer is fast approatching and staying hydrated during the warm summer months is crucial for overall health. Let’s explore some informative facts and tips to help you stay hydrated.

Toilet Shopping? Dive into the Throne Zone: Your Guide to Toilet Styles

25 Mar, 2024

Ah, the humble toilet. It's the unsung hero of the bathroom, quietly doing its duty while we go about our daily lives. But hey, don't let its modesty fool you! The toilet has the power to transform your bathroom from bland to grand. So, if you're in the market for a new loo, buckle up because we're about to take a whirlwind tour of the three toilet styles you need to know about: wall-hung, close-coupled, and back-to-wall.

Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?

18 Mar, 2024

If you use flushable wipes, you may wonder if they are really safe to flush down the toilet. After all, they are marketed as flushable and septic safe, and they seem to disappear after you flush them. However, you may be surprised to learn that flushable wipes are not as harmless as they appear. In fact, they can cause serious problems for your plumbing system and the environment.

Common Household Items That Should Never Go Down The Drain

11 Mar, 2024

Have you ever wondered what happens to the things you pour down the drain or flush down the toilet? You might think they just disappear, but in fact, they can cause serious problems for your pipes, your sewer system, and the environment. Some items can clog your pipes, damage your plumbing, or create backups in your home or neighborhood. Others can pollute the waterways, harm wildlife, or contaminate drinking water sources. Here are six common household items that you should never put down the drain and how to dispose of them safely instead.

Spring Break Water Safety Tips

04 Mar, 2024

As spring break approaches, prioritizing water safety is crucial, whether you’re planning a beach getaway or a poolside vacation. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable spring break for you and your family.

Why Your Plumber Won't Quote a Price Over the Phone: An Inside Look

09 Feb, 2024

As a homeowner faced with the ever-constant need for plumbing services, you've likely come across the somewhat frustrating response from plumbers when you request a cost estimate over the phone: "It depends." While it may seem like an evasion tactic, there's a world of complex reasons behind why plumbers always defer from giving you a rock-solid price without physically seeing the issue at hand. In this article, we unravel the intricacies of plumbing pricing and shed light on why this seemingly vague response is more about integrity and professionalism than mere inconvenience to you, the customer.

Shower or Bath: Which Truly Drenches Our Water Supply?

02 Feb, 2024

Water is a precious resource that sustains life, and as conscientious homeowners, we're increasingly aware of the need to conserve it. Each time we embark on the daily ritual of cleansing, we have an opportunity to make a choice that can significantly impact water consumption: shower or bath? In this blog post, we'll dive into the considerable depths of water usage between these two common household activities to determine which is the more watertight option for you and the environment.

Tackling Post-Shower Itch: Unveiling the Benefits of Water Softeners

26 Jan, 2024

Hard water can turn a refreshing shower into a skin-itching nightmare. But fear not. The antidote to this less-than-ideal situation can be found in water softeners, a remarkable solution that can turn your hard-water woes around. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of hard water - what it is, why it can be problematic, and how water softeners can be your saving grace, transforming your water and your overall shower experience.

Winterizing Your Plumbing: Protecting Your Pipes from Frosty Woes

12 Jan, 2024

As winter sets in and temperatures drop, it's essential to take proactive measures to winterize your plumbing. The frigid weather can wreak havoc on your pipes, both inside and outside your home. Frozen pipes can lead to expensive repairs and water damage. In this blog, we'll explore how to protect your plumbing by winterizing outside faucets and preventing pipes from freezing inside your house.