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Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters: Pros and Cons for Modern Homeowners

Brad GMBAccess • August 9, 2024

When choosing a new water heater, you may find yourself looking at both tank and tankless systems. Most homes have the classic design of tank water heaters installed. Tankless water heaters are the hot new thing (pun intended) with many appealing features. What are the differences between water heaters, and which one is the best choice for your home and family?

 

Good question. The answer depends on how you prefer to use hot water, among other factors to consider. We’ll clarify the key differences and outline the pros and cons of each water heater design.

 

What's the Difference Between Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters?

 

Tank water heaters heat a big tank of water. It keeps the water hot at all times, and you can drain the tank by pulling hot water through many different taps in the house. When you use hot water, the tank refills with cold water, which then heats up. It has a limited amount of hot water before the tap runs cold, but that amount is quite a lot.

 

Tankless water heaters heat water instantly as it passes through the unit. You can install it at the water source or supply specific taps and appliances. Tankless water heaters are fast and efficient and never "run out" of hot water, but they can only manage a certain flow rate.

 

Tank Water Heaters: Classic Reservoir Design

 

Tank water heaters maintain a reservoir of hot water that they can empty and refill. The heating element is at the bottom of the tank, and the whole tank heats itself over and over to keep a lot of hot water available at all times. 

 

Pros

 

  • Tanks can support several taps and hot water appliances at once.
  • Tanks keep water hot and ready at all times.
  • Some tank water heaters are very durable and last for decades.

 

Cons

 

  • Tank water heaters are not energy efficient because they reheat water constantly.
  • You can run out of hot water, water runs cold until reheated.
  • You must wrap the tank in a blanket in the winter.

 

Ideal Use

 

Tank water heaters are ideal for big families and busy houses that sometimes use a lot of hot water all at once and then have time to refill and reheat. 

 

Tankless Water Heaters: On-Demand Hot Water

 

Tankless water heaters have a heating element wrapped around a pipe. The water heats as it runs through the tankless water heater, providing hot water on demand. These innovative and small-sized units are easily installed almost anywhere, providing instant and endless hot water.

 

Pros

 

  • Endless hot water never runs out or runs cold.
  • Energy efficient; it only heats on demand.
  • You can install these units anywhere in the house and assign them to specific taps and water lines, such as the kitchen or master bath.
  • It is small and takes up very little space.

 

Cons

 

  • Requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
  • It can only supply a limited flow of hot water and cannot support many taps and appliances at once.
  • It is not the standard model.

 

Ideal Use

 

Tankless water heaters are great for small households or are installed to supply specific taps. They are fantastic for on-call use and provide near-instant hot water if installed close to the tap. 

 

Choosing a Tankless vs. Tank Water Heater for Your Home

 

Most homes already have a tank water heater and room to install a replacement when the time comes. You can upgrade to a tankless water heater for efficiency and endless hot water. This works best when your hot water needs to focus on one (or two) taps or appliances at a time. Bigger families and busy households benefit from having a big tank of ready-to-use hot water during high-demand times.

 

You can also add a tankless water heater to a home with a tank water heater. A tankless water heater can provide hot water to a specific room or area of the house, such as the master bathroom, kitchen, or upstairs versus downstairs. It delivers on-demand hot water, while the tank fulfills your general hot water needs.

 

Tank or tankless water heater? We'll help you find the perfect water heater solution for your home. Contact us today to learn more.

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