You know that feeling, right? You’re rushing to get ready, the whole family needs hot water, and suddenly… it’s gone. Or maybe you’re staring at your energy bill, wondering why it’s so high and you suspect that old water heater in the garage is the culprit. It’s a common homeowner headache. You want a reliable source of hot water, but the choices can be confusing. Do you stick with what you know, a traditional tank water heater? Or do you take the plunge into the newer, more talked-about tankless option?
We get it. Here at Instant Plumbing, we’ve been helping folks in Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and all over the Valley get their hot water right since 2001. We’re not some giant corporation; we’re your neighbors, here to give you honest advice and expert service. And when it comes to water heaters, we’ve seen it all. So, let’s break down the tank vs. tankless debate in a way that’s easy to understand, so you can make the best choice for your home and your wallet.
Understanding Tank Water Heaters And Tankless Water Heaters
To make a good decision, it’s important to know the basics.
How Tank Water Heaters Work
Think of a tank water heater like a giant thermos. It heats up a big batch of water and keeps it hot, ready for you to use. When you turn on the hot water faucet, hot water flows out of the tank and cold water rushes in to replace it. Then, the heater kicks back on to heat up the new water.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
Tankless heaters are a little different. They don’t store water at all. Instead, they heat water only when you need it. When you turn on the hot water, the heater fires up and heats the water as it flows through the pipes.
Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater: Initial Purchase and Installation Costs
Okay, let’s talk about money. This is often the first thing people think about.
Tank Water Heater Cost Breakdown
Generally, tank water heaters are less money to buy than tankless. You can find a decent-sized tank for a few hundred dollars. Installation is usually like for like, which can save you some on labor costs.
Tankless Water Heater Cost Breakdown
Tankless heaters are more expensive upfront. The units themselves cost 2-3 times more, and installation is more complicated. This is because tankless heaters often need larger gas lines or electrical circuits, which do add to the cost.
Factors Affecting Installation Costs
Keep in mind that installation costs can vary depending on your home’s setup. Things like:
- Existing plumbing: If your pipes need to be moved or upgraded.
- Fuel type: Gas vs. electric can affect the complexity.
- Ventilation: Gas tankless heaters need proper venting, which can be tricky.
Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater: Comparing Energy Efficiency and Savings
Now, let’s talk about how much these things cost to run.
Standby Heat Loss Explained (Tank Water Heaters)
Remember that giant thermos? Well, even the best thermos loses some heat over time. Tank water heaters constantly lose heat, even when you’re not using hot water. This is called “standby heat loss,” and it wastes energy.
On-Demand Heating Efficiency (Tankless Water Heaters)
Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient because they only heat water when you need it. No standby heat loss means less wasted energy.
Long-Term Energy Cost Comparison
While tankless heaters are more efficient, the actual savings depend on how much hot water you use. If you have a big family that uses a lot of hot water, a tankless heater will likely save you more money in the long run.
Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater: Hot Water Supply and Demand
What about running out of hot water? That’s a big concern.
Continuous Hot Water (Tankless Water Heater)
One of the biggest advantages of tankless is that you’ll never run out of hot water. As long as the water heater can keep up with the demand, you can shower for as long as you want.
Capacity Limits (Tank Water Heater)
Tank water heaters have a limited amount of hot water. If you use it all up, you have to wait for the tank to refill and reheat.
Recovery Time Comparison
“Recovery time” is how long it takes for a water heater to heat more water. Tankless water heaters have a much faster recovery time because they heat water instantly.
Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater: Durability and Maintenance Requirements
How long will these things last, and what do you have to do to keep them working?
Tank Water Heater Lifespan and Maintenance
Tank water heaters typically last 6-10 years, with regular maintenance 10-15 years. They require regular maintenance, like flushing the tank to remove sediment.
Tankless Water Heater Lifespan and Maintenance
Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or even longer. Gas tankless water heaters also need maintenance, like descaling to remove mineral buildup.
Replacement Costs
When it’s time to replace, tankless water heaters are usually more expensive to replace, but they need replacing less often.
Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater: Space-Saving Considerations
Where are you going to put this thing?
Tank Water Heater Size and Placement
Tank water heaters are bulky. They take up a lot of space, which can be a problem in smaller homes.
Tankless Water Heater Size and Placement
Tankless water heaters are much smaller and mounted on a wall. This can save you a lot of floor space.
Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater: A Quick Pros and Cons List
To make things even clearer, here’s a quick summary:
Pros of Tank Water Heaters
- Cheaper to buy
- Easier installation
Cons of Tank Water Heaters
- Use more energy (standby heat loss)
- Limited hot water supply
- Take up a lot of space
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
- Energy-efficient (no standby heat loss)
- Endless hot water
- Space-saving
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
- More expensive to buy
- More complex installation
Choosing the Right Water Heater: Key Factors to Consider
Okay, so which one should you choose? It depends on your specific needs.
Household Size and Hot Water Needs
How many people live in your house? How often do you run the dishwasher and washing machine? If you have a big family and use a lot of hot water, a tankless heater might be the better choice.
Fuel Type and Availability
Do you have natural gas available? Gas heaters are generally more energy efficient and more reliable.
Budget and Long-Term Goals
What’s your budget? Are you planning to stay in your home for a long time? If so, investing in a more efficient tankless heater might be a good idea.
Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater: Making the Best Decision for Your Home
Choosing a water heater is a big decision. It affects your comfort, your energy bills and the value of your home. We hope this guide has helped you understand the pros and cons of each type.
At Instant Plumbing, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your needs. We’ve been serving Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas for over 20 years, and we’re experts in water heater installation and repair.
If you’re still unsure, give us a call. We can come to your home, assess your needs and give you options available. We’ll help you find the best water heater for your family and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a tankless water heater cost to install?
A: The cost varies, but it’s usually more than a tank heater due to increased labor and potential gas line/electrical upgrades.
Q: What are the drawbacks of a tankless water heater?
A: They can be expensive to buy and install, and they might struggle to supply hot water to multiple fixtures at once.
Q: Is a tankless water heater really more energy-efficient?
A: Yes, they are more energy-efficient because they don’t have standby heat loss.
Q: How long does a tankless water heater last?
A: They can last 20 years or more, which is longer than tank heaters.
Q: Which is the best water heater for a large family?
A: A tankless heater is often a good choice for a large family because it provides continuous hot water.
