Trying to choose between a classic water heater with a storage tank and a tankless water heater is a decision most homeowners face at some point. After all, water heaters are the cornerstone for a consistent source of hot water. And since your plumbing fixtures and home appliances depend on this hot water, it’s always crucial to consider all your options carefully.

This handy guide from your local experts at Struven Heating & Cooling breaks down tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the differences in their design as well as some benefits and drawbacks of each model. These valuable insights will help you make an informed choice regarding your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve decided, feel free to contact our installers for expert tank water heater installation.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters: Tried and True

Let's take a closer look at conventional storage tank water heaters first. That large storage tank is the central feature here, holding onto an ample supply of water that’s always heated. As soon as you need hot water, a tank water heater can deliver it.

Pros:

  • Budget-Friendly Installation: Tank water heaters will have smaller expenses for installation, thanks to their less complex design.
  • Simplified Upkeep: A streamlined design also translates into less potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Continuous Energy Use: Tank water heaters have to keep water perpetually heated, which means wasted energy if you’re not frequently using that water.
  • Large Overall Size: The tank itself can be a problem in cramped spaces. If your home doesn’t have a basement or utility closet, installation is a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Cutting-Edge Comfort

Now, let's consider tankless water heaters, an advanced alternative that’s comparatively recent. Unlike tank models, tankless water heaters operate when needed. They’re generating hot water only when needed, using robust heating elements as the water flows through the system.

Pros:

  • Improved Energy Efficiency: Tankless models are much more energy efficient since they’re not always on.
  • A Smart, Resilient Design: With proper maintenance from a skilled professional, tankless water heaters can offer a longer life span.

Cons:

  • Higher Setup Cost: Initial installation costs are higher as a result of the more complex design.
  • Higher Service Needs: Tankless models do best when provided more routine attention to keep their vital components working efficiently.
  • Potential Need to Update Plumbing Infrastructure Updates: Older homes aren’t always equipped 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.

Deciding on Your Ideal Water Heater: Every Home Has Unique Needs

In general, we’d recommend the greater energy efficiency that tankless water heaters provide. But this also depends on aspects including how much hot water you need day to day. You should 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: Estimate how much hot water your household uses on average. For instance, large families who love the outdoors or have pets almost always need much more hot water than if you live by yourself.
  2. Space for Installation: The layout of your home can affect how efficient a water heater operates. Review potential installation locations and consult with professionals if your model is an appropriate size.
  3. Local Climate: Brutally cold winters mean a water heater that works harder. This is more noticeable with tankless models, which are better in situations when there won’t be any big spikes in water usage.
  4. Utility Costs: Your local fuel or electricity costs can render one option more attractive over the other.

Don’t forget, a trained professional like those at Struven Heating & Cooling can help you in making a more informed decision. They understand which brands meet your specific needs before facilitating a smoother installation process.

Why Not Call Struven Heating & Cooling?

If you're ready to make the switch to a tankless water heater in Crown Point, why not call Struven Heating & Cooling for a complimentary quote? Our expert plumbing technicians can offer the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 219-292-0956.