Tank or Tankless Water Heater?
If you need a new water heater for your Henderson, KY, home, you have plenty of great choices available. Modern units are more capable and efficient than ever, but choosing the best type for your needs is key. Here’s what you need to know about storage tank systems, tankless water heaters and how to choose between them.
Tank Water Heaters
Traditional systems use insulated tanks and heating elements to store reserves of hot water. They heat water via either electricity or natural gas, with gas offering greater efficiency at a higher initial cost. They’re the most common type of heater because they’re inexpensive and easy to install and repair. Unfortunately, it’s not all good news. Tank heaters have shorter service lives, waste more energy and have hot water capacities that are limited by tank size.
Tankless Water Heaters
As the name suggests, tankless systems do away with storage tanks altogether. Also called on-demand heaters, these systems use heat exchangers to heat water as it flows through the unit rapidly. They can be powered by electricity, natural gas or propane. They’re much more efficient than storage-type heaters, last up to twice as long and deliver nearly instant heating. They also require less space for installation. However, they’re also more complex. That means they’re more costly to install and repair.
The Right Choice
The most important factor is often the cost. If you can afford the added expense, a tankless system is a worthwhile investment thanks to its efficiency and longevity. However, another key factor is the amount of water you typically use at once. If you often use multiple plumbing fixtures simultaneously, the limited flow rate of a tankless unit could be an issue. In that case, a storage-type system with a larger tank may be ideal.
Considering the quality of modern systems, it’s hard to go wrong with any choice. Still, selecting the right system for your needs will ensure the best possible experience. If you need a new water heating system, check out E&M Heating, Plumbing & Air Conditioning’s water heater services or give us a call at (270) 835-2306.