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Whether you just bought a new house, are building your dream home, or need a replacement, picking out the right water heater can be tricky. There are so many different options when it comes to water heaters, and there are pros and cons to each.
If you are feeling overwhelmed about picking out just the right kind for your home, please know that you are not alone. It is important to consider the implications of each option, so that you can ensure your house (and your hot showers) meet your expectations.
Read through the key differences between tankless and tank water heaters, as well as the sub-options for both.
Going Mainstream: Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are essentially on-demand water heaters. This means that they constantly deliver hot water to your home, no matter how much water you are using. This is great for large households or for people who use a higher than average amount of water each day. You essentially should never run out of hot water, so no more cold showers when you are last in the bathroom in the morning!
Tankless water heaters can be powered by electricity or by gas. Both types of tankless water heaters use high-powered burners to heat water within minutes and then deliver it to your faucets or shower without storing it in a tank. Gas options are great if your home is situated near a natural gas line, as you can easily tap into existing lines. If you don’t have access to natural gas, then you will need to purchase propane on your own, which can become a nuisance. Electric tankless water heaters are less expensive and the installation is much simpler, but they can take a longer amount of time to heat your water and cause higher utility bills.
Essentially, gas can be more efficient and cheaper if you already have a gas line ready for your home to use. If you don’t though, it may be a pain to get a gas option set up, so electric may be the right choice for your house.
Tankless water heaters will cost more upfront than tank options, but there are many pros that come with that higher price tag. This includes never running out of hot water, and typically a lower water bill. Additionally, tankless water heaters take up way less space than their tank counterparts. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a tankless option.
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Keeping with Tradition: Tank Water Heaters
Water heaters with a tank are still more prevalent in American homes than tankless options. These water heaters store water in a large water tank, so they take up a lot of space in your garage or utility room. To get the hot water from the tank into your home, a pipe leads from the top of the water tank to your home’s faucet systems. Because a tank can only hold so much water, you run the risk of running out of hot water if you use too much at once. This usually isn’t an issue for smaller households, but can become an issue if your family grows.
Other things to consider about tank options is that they typically have shorter lifespans and will lead to higher utility bills due to the water constantly needing to be heated. This means that even if you save some money upfront by choosing a tank water heater, you may pay more in the long run through higher monthly bills and the need to replace sooner.
Tank water heaters tend to cost between $300 and $2,000, plus the cost of hiring a plumber for the installation.
Photo by Skitterphoto from Pixabay
Choosing a water heater can be tricky with so many options at your disposal. It is important to think about the long-term needs of your home when making your selection. Considering the size of your household, the space in your home, your regular demand for hot water, and your ability to access gas, will help lead you to the right choice.
Despite there being pros and cons to both tankless and tank options, don’t stress too much, as in the long run there are great water heaters that fall under both types. If you need some expert advice, feel free to always reach out to Premier Plumbing, and we are happy to help!
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