When you think about water heater technology (You don’t? Just us?) the differences between tankless water heaters vs tank demonstrates how much that technology has evolved. There are two types of water heaters represent the majority of residential water heaters in the United States. But is a
tankless water heater better than tank? Let’s compare both types to find what is most suitable for you.
In this blog post, you will learn:
The Efficiency of Tankless Water Heaters
What is a tankless water heater? Unlike the older
electric or gas tank water heaters that store a set amount of water at a desired temperature, needing to ‘reheat’ that stored water, tankless water heaters heat the water directly as it flows through the unit. Some of the benefits of a tankless water heater include taking up less space by eliminating the need for storage. Do tankless water heaters save money? On average, homeowners who opt for a tankless water heater see savings of up to 30% on their energy bills!
Cost Analysis Over Time
Tankless water heater benefits are not only due to their energy efficiency but also in longevity.
The average traditional tank water heater has a lifespan of about 10-15 years but tankless water heaters can last longer than 20 years with proper maintenance.
While the upfront cost of installing a tankless water heater may seem daunting, by installing energy-efficient appliances you may be able to offset that with rebates or tax-incentives as well as the accumulated energy savings. The investment in a tankless water heater saves money while adding equity to your property too!
Technological Advancements
As technology has advanced the pros and cons of tankless water heaters definitely tips in favor of tankless models! The most efficient water heater is one that meets your needs and saves you money. Like most emerging home technology, that often comes with customizable options and control. By reducing the physical space taken up compared to a traditional tank water heater, better energy efficiency and advanced control options, including the ability to change your settings from your phone, Alexa, or other assistive devices, bring you even greater savings when you invest in a tankless water heater!
Geographic Considerations in Water Heater Efficiency
There are several benefits of a tankless water heater in the Kansas City, MO, Kansas City, KS, and the greater KC area. The weather can change over the day,
ranging from cold mornings, where a warm shower is a nice way to start the day, to warm weather by afternoon. A traditional tank water heater will spend a lot of energy refilling after your morning shower and cycling on and off to keep that tank heated to your preferred temperature. A lot of our service area also experiences hard water, so while the tank water heater is holding that water, minerals in your water are settling to the bottom of the tank. Over time that turns into sediment and scaling. Tankless water heaters benefits are an improvement in both cases. However, let's say you do have exceptionally hard water. In that case, it is important to consider regular descaling to extend the life of your water heater and keep additional buildup from getting into your pipes.
Is It Worth Replacing a Water Heater with a Tankless?
While the final decision may involve many factors, here is a quick comparison of the pros and cons of a tankless water heater:
Cons:
- The upfront cost of installation
- Short delay between turning on the faucet and the water getting hot.
- Needs a battery backup to continue to make hot water during a power outage
Pros:
- Up to 30% energy efficiency improvement
- Reduced energy bills.
- Takes up less physical space
- Most states offer a rebate or tax incentive for installing energy-efficient appliances.
- Unlimited hot water without the need for a tank.
- Options for remote control for greater efficiency.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
