Tankless vs storage tank water heaters: What’s the difference?

Every home needs a water heater to function effectively, every single day. But all water heaters are not the same. You have options when it comes to this important piece of home comfort equipment. As your local home service experts, you can rely on us for the facts, figures and details that you need to know to help make sure that you purchase a water heater that provides the best energy savings for you and your home.

What are your water heater options?

There are two types of water heating equipment:

• Storage tank water heaters
• Tankless water heaters

But what’s the difference between the two? How do they work? What energy efficiency do they provide? And what’s the best equipment for you? Use the following tips to help you make the right decision:

Storage tank water heaters

• Tanks store up to 30-50 gallons of water, which is heated to a previously set temperature, then stored until you need to use it. Water in the tank is normally heated using natural gas or electricity.
• When required, the stored hot water is forced through a pipe at the top of the tank and delivered to the location it’s required.
• Have a release valve that opens when either temperature or pressure exceeds previously set levels. This is a vital precautionary system.
• Tanks powered by natural gas use almost 50% less energy than those that use electricity. However, natural gas systems are normally a little more expensive than electric systems.

• Easier to operate than a tankless system, repair costs are also normally more affordable than tankless systems.
• The latest storage tank systems are energy-efficient, to help with energy savings all year.
• If budget considerations are determining your decision for a new water heater, a storage tank water heater might make more sense for you.

Tankless water heaters

• High-powered burners heat water as it passes through a heat exchanger, which delivers it directly to showers, faucets, etc.
• Often referenced to as “on-demand” water heaters and as the name clearly states, water that is heated is not stored in a tank.
• Usually powered by natural gas or electricity.
• Provide up to 34% more energy efficiency than storage tank water heaters, which means better energy savings for you
• Use less than 41 gallons or less of hot water each day compared to storage tank heaters
• Potential to save up to 27%-50% more by installing a tankless water heater at each hot water outlet.
• Normally more expensive than storage tank heaters but normally last longer, increasing the heater’s life span from 10 or 15 years to over 20.
• If you can afford the higher initial cost of a tankless water heater, you’ll save more money over time by choosing this system.

As your local home service experts, you can rely on us for the latest, energy-efficient tankless and storage water heaters from all major brands. Our team of  professionals will help you make the best equipment decision for your home, as well as provide fast, reliable installation and repair services, too.

Call today! We’re to help you 24/7:

877.359.8781