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Tank Vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Tank and Tankless water heaters both provide hot water
But what are the pros and cons of each?
Tank and tankless water heaters both give you hot water, but they work differently. Tank water heaters store and continuously heat a set amount of water, making them less expensive to install, but they can run out of water. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, offering endless hot water, higher energy efficiency, and a longer lifespan, but with a higher upfront cost.
At a glance
- Tank water heaters: Lower installation cost, limited hot water, larger size, 12–15 year lifespan
- Tankless water heaters: Higher installation cost, unlimited hot water, compact size, 20+ year lifespan
Which is best for you?
Tank water heaters are typically better for smaller households or budget-focused replacements. Tankless water heaters are better for larger families, higher hot-water demand, and long-term energy savings. Both still need annual maintenance to last as long as possible.
Pros of Tank Water Heaters
While they are not as water or energy efficient as tankless water heaters, conventional tank water heaters have numerous benefits, including:
1. Lower installation cost
Tank water heater installs are less expensive than tankless water heater installs. They start at $2,500 and go up in price depending on which fuel type you need and if there are any upgrades that have to be done.
2. Easy replacement
Typically, you’re just replacing the hot water tank with the same-sized unit. That makes it easy, since the venting, gas lines, and unit placement are the same.
However, new Federal Energy Standards have increased the size of tank water heaters. If that is the case, it is always a good idea for a professional to ensure that the larger units will fit in the existing space when replacing them.
Cons of Tank Water Heaters
Traditional tank water heaters have been a reliable source of water heating for many years. However, while tank water heaters are an efficient way to heat your water, there are some drawbacks if you’re considering replacing them.
1. Higher energy costs
Since hot water is stored in the tank, the gas or electricity needs to run more than a tankless unit to keep the water hot. The temperature will be maintained regardless of whether you are using water.
2. Can run out of hot water
Once the hot water is used in the tank, you will not have any more hot water until the tank is refilled and heated again. It may take some time to refill and reheat the tank’s water. This can occur if multiple people or appliances use hot water simultaneously, and it can be super inconvenient if it happens often enough.
3. Takes up more space
Tankless units take relatively little space, while a tank water heater needs space for the tank. Another thing to consider is that energy standards have required manufacturers to make tank water heaters wider to insulate and hold heat better. Ask your professional about how this affects replacement.
4. Shorter life span
Tank water heaters typically last 12-15 years, depending on the water hardness entering your home and the level of maintenance (annual flushes and anode rod replacement). If they are not well-maintained or you have really hard water with no softener, that number can be much lower.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have grown in popularity in the last couple of years. Here we will weigh the pros and cons of converting to a tankless water heater.
1. Endless hot water
Tankless water heaters provide unlimited hot water for an extended period. This means there is no limit on how much water you can use. You can shower and run the dishwasher or washing machine without worrying about running out of hot water. This is a massive plus for larger families. Just make sure the tankless heater you choose is large enough to deliver sufficient hot water at the correct temperatures throughout your house.
2. Lower energy costs
Tankless water heaters only heat water when it is needed. Which will cut the cost of your gas bill. That is the power of not having to continuously heat 40, 50, or 75 gallons of water.
3. They take up less space
While this seems trivial, we mentioned in the cons for tank water heaters that energy standards have made water heaters wider. Meaning that when it’s time to replace your old water heater, the new one may not fit in the same space as before. This alone may have you consider tankless.
4. Longer life span
Tankless water heaters can last 20+ years with annual flushes to remove mineral buildup. In some cases, that may be double a tank water heater’s lifespan. That added life, along with the energy efficiency, can help offset the upfront cost over the unit’s lifetime.
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
So now that we’ve talked about the great qualities of tankless, let’s discuss the drawbacks so you can weigh your options effectively.
1. Higher installation costs
Tankless water heater installation costs are higher than those for a tank water heater. This is mostly because the unit itself is more expensive, and they take longer to install. Also, retrofitting and additional plumbing and piping may be required when replacing a tank water heater. You should discuss your options with a professional.
2. More internal parts
Tankless water heaters are compact but have more internal parts than traditional water heaters. They also require annual maintenance to inspect and ensure proper operation. If you have hard water, you may need additional maintenance to remove scale buildup or a water softener.
3. Not instant Hot Water
It is a common misconception that Tankless water heaters give you instant hot water.Unfortunately, that is not true; they give endless hot water. To get instant hot water, you need a tank water heater with a recirculation pump. You don’t get instant hot water because the lines from your water heater to the fixtures don’t have water continuously running through them. When you turn on hot water, it’s heated from your water heater, and the cold water in the lines still has to work its way out.
Download Our Free Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide
Get valuable information if you are considering replacing your existing water heater with a new tankless water heater. This guide will help you get informed so you can decide if tankless is a good option for your home.
