If you’re like most people, you likely depend on a storage tank water heater for your hot water. They’re the dominant type of hot water system for homes in Nesbit, MS. It’s been that way for the better part of the last century. However, storage tank water heaters aren’t your only option. There are also tankless models that are well worth considering. Here’s everything you need to know about both options to help you choose between them.
Storage Tank Water Heater Basics
Storage tank water heaters use electric heating elements or gas burners to heat water for future use. They store that water in a large, insulated holding tank. Most feature tanks that store between 20 and 80 gallons of heated water. Generally, both gas and electric models have their primary heating element at their tank’s base. The tank’s incoming water supply travels to the bottom of the tank via a long pipe. That ensures cold supply water enters the tank at its bottom. Since heat rises, hot water leaves storage tank heaters from their top. They also include a thermostat that measures the stored water temperature. That tells the system when to turn on its heating element and for how long.
The Advantages of Storage Tank Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters have numerous advantages that explain why they’re so popular. Chief among these is their low cost. Storage tank heaters are so common that they’re quite inexpensive. That also means maintenance and repair costs for storage tank heaters are typically low. You can choose an electric or a gas-powered model depending on your home’s needs. Both offer relatively efficient operation, with gas models being especially efficient.
Storage tank water heaters are also very reliable. They typically remain trouble-free with minimal maintenance, including periodic flushing to remove sediment. They also feature sacrificial anodes that prevent corrosion and hard water problems.
The Disadvantages of Storage Tank Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters do have some drawbacks you should know about. One is that they don’t last very long. Most storage tank heaters last about 10 years, even with regular maintenance. Plus, the consequences of a failed storage tank may be severe. If the tank itself fails, your home could flood. Also, storage tank heaters operate under pressure. While rare, they can explode if their multiple safety mechanisms fail.
Tankless Water Heater Basics
Tankless water heaters also come in electric and gas-fired varieties. However, most high-capacity models require gas. The reason is that tankless water heaters operate at much higher temperatures than comparable storage tanks. That makes them capable of producing hot water on demand. Tankless heaters feature flow sensors that detect when you call for hot water. Then, the heater activates and produces hot water as long as needed.
The Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
The obvious advantage of installing a tankless water heater is its ability to produce an endless hot water supply. That’s not the only one, however. Tankless heaters are also more energy-efficient than storage tanks. Since they don’t store preheated water, they don’t suffer standby energy losses. That can make them up to 34% more energy efficient than storage tanks, depending on your usage patterns. Tankless heaters are also much smaller than storage tanks. They’re wall-mounted and typically no larger than 30 inches by 25 inches. That can free up floor space in your home that you can put to better use.
The Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
There are two primary disadvantages associated with tankless water heaters. One is their cost. You can expect to pay twice as much or more for a tankless heater than a storage tank. Those costs can climb even higher if your plumbing needs modifications to support a tankless heater.
The other downside to tankless water heaters is that electric models typically can’t handle a household’s hot water demand. A gas-fired model is the only realistic option if you want a single tankless to serve your whole home. Depending on the capacity you need, you may need to upgrade your gas service lines to support a tankless heater.
It’s worth pointing out that you can supplement smaller gas-powered tankless water heaters with additional electric point-of-use units. For example, you can supply a dishwasher with a small electric tankless heater. That can reduce demand on your central tankless heater but will increase your installation costs.
Your Local Water Heater Source
Backed by over 25 years of experience, RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical is the place to turn for water heaters in Nesbit. Our plumbers have extensive experience with both storage tank and tankless water heaters. We’re also a recipient of the Angi Super Service Award and Better Business Bureau-accredited with an A+ rating.
If you need a new water heater installed in your home, contact RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical today!
