Tankless Water Heater Vs Tank – What’s the Best Water Heater?

11 Jan Tankless Water Heater Vs Tank – What’s the Best Water Heater?

We can all agree that hot water is fantastic! It cleans our clothes, dishes, and everyone’s favorite, hot showers. But people tend to disagree on how you should get that hot water. There is a big debate around which type of water heater is the best; a high-efficiency water heater vs standard, a tankless water heater vs tank, heat pump vs condensing; to name a few.

So, should you have a traditional hot water tank, or should you have a tankless water heater? Is one better than the other? What are the differences? 

We’re not here to end the argument; we plan to answer the questions surrounding the two and help you decide what’s best for you. So let’s get into the details of tankless water heater vs tank.

What Does A Water Heater Do?

A water heater is essential to any home or apartment. Tankless systems can run off electricity, gas, or propane. In contrast, traditional water tanks can also run off of oil. But both provide your home with the comfort of heated water that we have all become accustomed to. Both are typically kept in either a garage or a closet. But no matter the choice, they are both great at heating water.

What Is A Tank Water Heater 

A traditional storage water heater can vary in tank sizes holding anything from 20 to 80 gallons. The tank continuously heats the water. When hot water is needed, it’s pulled from the top of the tank. At the same time, cold water enters from the bottom and is slowly heated up. This system can only be powered with either gas or electricity. 

What Is A Tankless Water Heater 

A tankless water heater works to heat water when it’s needed. A heat exchanger is used to heat water quickly. Typically these units heat 2 to 5 gallons of water per minute, which is why these systems are so much smaller. The smaller system means you should be thoughtful about running multiple appliances using hot water, as you could run out quicker than you may think. 

Water Heater Cost – Tankless Water heater Vs Tank Water Heater

Both tankless water heater vs tank heaters are investments, but both come at very different price points. Your cost can be up to $6,600 for a tankless water heater vs tank being closer to $3,000. The traditional hot water heater ranges from $300 to $3,000. Tankless models can cost around $2,800 to install. At the same time, larger or specialty tankless water heaters can cost as much as $6,600. 

Is It Cheaper To Run A Tankless Or Tank Water Heater? 

While they perform the same function, running a tankless water heater vs tank heater has some significant differences. Traditional hot water heaters deal with a concept known as standby heat loss. Since a traditional tank model runs a flame off and on to heat your water, there is a small amount of constant heat loss. Insulated water tanks deal with less standby heat loss. But insulated and non-insulated hot water tanks will continue to lose more and more heat over time. This heat loss causes your energy bill costs to increase over time. In the end, you can save anywhere from 14% to 34% in energy costs with a tankless water heater vs tank heaters not really providing any added efficiency. 

But there are drawbacks. Tankless hot water heaters cost more. Repairs cost more. You can also find yourself running out of hot water more often. So there is a balance of pros and cons. 

Hot Water Heater Installation Time – Tankless Water Heater Vs Tank

The average installation time for a storage tank water heater can range from 2-3 hours. Replacing a tankless hot water system with another tankless system can take 1-3 hours. While converting from a traditional hot water heater tank to an instant water heater can take 6-10 hours.

Which Is More Energy Efficient? Tankless Water Heater Vs Tank

Tankless water heaters work efficiently enough to generate 14-34% in energy savings. It just depends on how much water your household goes through daily. But there’s more to it than just that. There are also government rebates that play a role in this. For example, it’s possible to obtain a government rebate of up to $650 for switching to a natural gas tankless unit in Texas. You can also gain this rebate for switching to certain qualifying high-efficiency storage tank water heaters.

Which is better? Tankless Water Heater Vs Tank Water Heater

You have to look at the possible ROI (return on investment) that comes with both styles of hot water heaters. To know what that would look like requires help from a plumber. 

Why is it important to consult a plumber? Because the systems require different gas levels. Tankless hot water heaters use more gas than a traditional tank. Therefore, it’s important to factor in the amount of gas required by your tankless system and the amount needed for the rest of your house. In addition, you may learn that your gas main needs to be replaced to adequately provide the necessary gas output. 

So, having your gas supply inspected before making any decisions is important. It may be better to stick with a traditional hot water tank. 

How Often Should You Do Tankless Water Heater Repairs? 

Tankless water heaters do indeed require less attention and have fewer replacement parts. But these types of water heaters still require maintenance. 

You must flush your tankless system each year, which may cost around $300, give or take. A tankless system can last from 20 years up to 30 years, so that’s $6,000 to $9,000 in the long run. Flushing your system is something you can do yourself, but it can be a little time-consuming. You must also clean or replace the water line and air filters regularly.

Tank Water Heater Repairs 

The average tank water heater can last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, and it’s hard to say how often you’ll face repairs. Maybe you won’t, maybe you will. But just like a tankless system, you need to flush your tank each year, which is much easier and quicker to do with a traditional tank. 

When To Replace Your Hot Water Heater?

So now that we know the differences between a tankless system and a traditional tank water heater (storage water heater), let’s identify when they need to be replaced.

Thankfully tankless systems and regular hot water heaters share the same warning signs for when they need to be replaced.

• You find puddles around your tank, indicating a leak.
• Water pressure has become unexpectedly low.
• You hear unusual clicking/clunking.
• Your water has become a rusty or reddish brown.
• Fluctuations in water temperatures. 

So Which Is Best?

So which is better, tankless water heater vs tank? Because there isn’t a correct answer to this, it boils down to your preference and, of course, your home’s current setup. 

Pros and Cons

It’s important to reach out and have your home inspected by a professional who can advise you on whether a tankless hot water heater is right for you or if you should stick with a traditional tank system. A pro can easily tell you what type of water heater you need.

Hot Water Heater FAQs

1. What Are The Main Advantages Of A Tankless Water Heater Over A Tank Heater?

   The main differences between a tankless water heater vs tank are cost and size. A tankless system is better for the environment, saving you money on your utility bills. A tankless hot water heater also takes up less space in your home and can even be installed outside in some cases. 

2. What Is Cheaper To Run A Tank Or Tankless Water Heater?

   A tankless system saves you money each month but requires more of an investment to purchase and install. Running a tankless water heater vs tank can reduce energy prices. However, the tank water heater has a lower initial cost.

3. Do Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer Than Tank Water Heaters?

   Yes, you can typically get up to 30 years from a tankless water heater vs a tank water heater, whose life span usually lasts closer to 15 years.

   Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Tyler serves the East Texas cities of Kilgore, Longview, Tyler, and Whitehouse with a team of certified plumbers. In addition to emergency plumbing repair, some of the plumbing services provided by the company include faucet repair, drain services, toilet repair, plumbing fixture installations, tub and shower installations, kitchen sink repair, faucet installation, water heater repair/replacement, and garbage disposal replacement. Call us today at (903) 730-6611 to schedule an appointment!