Water Heaters (Tank vs. Tankless)
Despite being an essential part of the home, a water heater rarely gets the attention it deserves. Let’s admit many of us forget how to operate a water heater at home. Though it is a workhorse that runs every day through all seasons, delivering warm water to sinks and showers, we rarely think about its maintenance.
When you can’t get hot water, or the heater takes longer to warm the water, it’s a sign that you should consider buying a new one. You may consult professional plumbing services like Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter to check your water heater and help you make the right decision.
If you decide to invest in a new water heater, the first thing to decide is whether you should buy a tank or tankless water heater. If energy efficiency is one of your concerns, you should spend more time deciding on a specific option.
If you’re the type to decide based on current trends, the chances are that you’ll opt for a tankless water heater. The new technology claims to use less energy compared to storage water heaters. But are these heaters more energy efficient? What is their operational cost, or do they offset the high upfront expenses?
If you’re considering buying a water heater, keep on reading to learn more about their types and the differences between them.
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Water Heater Services
Water Heater Repair, Maintenance, and Installation
When a water heater stops working, it may mean no more high-temp laundry cycles, hot dishwashers, or warm showers. It is always better to hire qualified plumbing professionals as your comfort means everything for them. Whether you require assistance in installing, repairing, or replacing your water heater, competent professionals like Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter are always willing to help you.
A tank-type water heater is easier to install and maintain. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, saves money and lasts longer. Plus, it’s cheaper to purchase tankless water heater parts as opposed to those of a tank-type water heater.
Your previous tank type is also an important consideration when installing a tankless system. Keep in mind that the installation cost of a tankless water heater in a business and home (that previously had a tank-type water heater) is usually higher. It happens because the local plumbing contractor needs to retrofit the entire system to install a tankless heater and ensure proper functioning.
Types of Water Heaters
Tank
What is a Tank Water Heater?
The tank water heater is the most common type of water heater found in homes. Typically, it is a conventional model comprising an insulated tank that heats and stores water. It comes with an attached pipe on the top that pulls the water when you need it. The water heaters, in general, run on fuel or natural gas. Also, these tanks use less energy compared to electric water heaters.
How Do Tank Water Heaters Work?
A tank-type water heater increases the temperature of the water supply using either of two modalities: fuel or electricity. If you have a fuel-powered water heater, it may be powered by either oil or natural gas.
Many homeowners opt for water heaters that use natural gas. Oil-based water heaters are also a popular choice in specific geographical areas.
Generally, a tank-type water heater:
- Heats up water
- Stores heated water until it's ready to use
- Maintains temperature
- Vents out potential by-products such as exhaust gases coming from a natural gas unit
How Long Do Tank Water Heaters Last?
It is essential to know the right time to replace a water heater before it causes inconvenience or springs leaks. Failing to get timely repairs raises the risk of leaks damaging your home. Typically, a tank water heater lasts 6 to 12 years. After 12 years, you’re on borrowed time.
Beyond this period, various factors can affect the longevity of a tank water heater. Such factors include the type of water running, your yearly schedule to drain and flush the tank, and how much water you use.
Advantages of a Tank Water Heater
Although they are older technology, storage water heaters have some advantages over the newer models.
While tankless water heaters are a suitable option for many homes, they are not ideal for all of them. There are cases when sticking to the familiar options like traditional tank water heaters are better. Though using older technology, they offer some advantages over advanced models.
- No changes in natural gas line
- Reduced installation cost
- No circuitry change
- Immediate hot water
- No need for a high flow rate
Disadvantages of a Tank Water Heater
- The system tends to require more space according to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) standards.
- Has a limited hot water supply if used for an extended period
- Waste up to 20 percent of energy via radiant heat loss
- Have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years
Tankless
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is a newer option that can provide hot water when homeowners need it. Typically, tankless water heaters don’t have excess cost or outlay of standby operations like traditional storage water heaters.
Tankless heaters use gas or electricity to supply water via a pipe attached to the machine. With tankless water, there is no need to stock up hot water.
How do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
As described above, there is no need to store hot water in a tankless water heater, allowing you to save a lot of space. Note that a tankless water heater only starts heating up water when the faucet turns on.
Turning on the tap triggers the flow rate sensor to pass water through. This means it only heats up water on demand to save on energy. Speaking of which, you can run a tankless water heater with gas or electricity.
How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last?
A high-quality tankless water heater lasts twenty years, especially if you purchase one from a reliable manufacturer.
Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater
- Space savvy
- A wise choice for small homes
- Can bring up saving for more energy use as it doesn't heat water continually
- Easy-to-install and doesn't require resizing the house
- Provides an endless supply of warm/hot water
- Has an average EF rate of 0.75
Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater
- May outstrip capacity during water usage if you do not size it properly
- High buying cost
- Is more complicated
How to Know When You Need a New Water Heater
Things to Consider When Buying a Water Heater
Regardless of your reason for purchasing a new water heater, you need to consider certain factors to reap its benefits in the long run. Here are some of them you should take into account:
Capacity
A tank heater typically holds around 50 to 60 gallons of water. Considering a water heater’s capacity is essential because it often comes in different sizes. Plus, it depends on the number of people who use water in the house. The maximum water usage in the house is another important aspect you must consider when assessing capacity.
Many water heaters come with an hour rating system that calculates how many gallons a heater produces in an hour.
Type of Water Heater
You can choose from plenty of water heater types. However, make sure you choose a water heater that fits your usage needs. Some water heater types are:
- Storage tank
- Heat pump
- Tankless water heater
Fuel Type
You can rely on different energy sources to run your water heater. These include solar, gas, geothermal, and electricity. Choose one that suits your needs the best.
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Water Heater?
The average amount of time it takes to install a tank, whether electric or gas, takes no more than 2 to 3 hours. It may take 40 to 60 minutes to disconnect, drain, and remove the old water heater.
Which Water Heater is Right for You?
Though conventional water heaters have their benefits, they are less efficient than tankless heaters. Plus, they have higher operating and maintenance costs. Tankless water heaters may have higher installation costs, are more energy-efficient, and reduce heating costs significantly.
Average Cost of Water Heater Replacement
Depending on the choice, the average cost for replacing a water heater is between $1,000 and $35,000. The cost may also vary depending on the state you live in. Make sure you discuss the cost of water heater replacement with your plumbing professional before hiring them.
Choosing the Right Company to Install Your Water Heater
When you know about all the water heating systems, seek professional guidance to make an informed decision. Professionals like Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter excel at commercial and residential plumbing, drain lateral repairs and have a wealth of experience.
The competent team of professionals serves realtors, homeowners, contractors, and property managers. Whether you want to repair gas piping, install water heaters, or fix leakage, Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter provides the best services.
Call us to learn more about Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter services.
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