Did you know that Canadian homeowners are expected to pay one percent of their home's purchase price for annual maintenance? Part of home maintenance includes replacing appliances when they show signs of wear and tear, and a leaking water tank is on...
Did you know that Canadian homeowners are expected to pay one percent of their home’s purchase price for annual maintenance? Part of home maintenance includes replacing appliances when they show signs of wear and tear, and a leaking water tank is one item that needs to be replaced.
If you find yourself shopping for this appliance, you might be wondering about tankless water heaters vs conventional tanks and which you should install.
This article covers both types of tanks so you can make an informed decision when choosing energy heaters for your home. Let’s jump into it!
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are also referred to as on-demand water heaters. Unlike their traditional counterparts, and as their name suggests, they don’t store any water in a tank.
Instead, tankless water heaters work by passing water through the unit when needed. A heat exchanger is used to rapidly bring the water up to the desired temperature. As with conventional water heaters, tankless water heaters run on electricity, natural gas, or propane.
There are several pros and cons regarding tankless waters to consider before having one installed.
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- Water is only heated when you need it, thus reducing standby energy losses and costs over time.
- Tankless water heaters are generally compact and wall-mounted, saving space compared to conventional models. On average, they’re about 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide.
- While tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, their flow rate may be limited. This means that if multiple hot water outlets are used simultaneously, the flow rate may decrease. It’s important to choose an appropriately sized unit to accommodate the hot water needs of your household.
- Regarding installation costs, tankless water heaters often require additional work compared to traditional water heaters. They may require upgrades to gas lines or electrical systems, venting modifications, or even a dedicated circuit. It’s worth noting that the long-term energy savings and lifespan of tankless heaters can offset these initial expenses.
Consult with a professional at Modern Air & Water to get a free quote and determine which type of water heater is right for your space.
Conventional Water Heaters with Tanks
Conventional tank water heaters can hold between 30 and 60 gallons of water. The capacity you choose depends on the size of your home and your water consumption.
These tanks run on electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil and continuously heat up hot water.
There are pros and cons to these ,hot water tanks that you should consider before choosing one to have installed.
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- They have a large water storage capacity and are relatively inexpensive to install.
- Conventional tanks typically have a higher flow rate, making them better suited for homes with simultaneous hot water needs.
- Conventional tanks require constant energy to provide continuous hot water to your home. If you purchase a gas-powered model, you’ll benefit from high energy efficiency.
- Conventional water tanks require floor space and are typically 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
- The amount of hot water available is limited to the size of the tank. If the demand exceeds the tank’s capacity, you may run out of hot water temporarily.
- On average, conventional tanks have a shorter lifespan compared to tankless water heaters and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Find the Perfect Water Heater for Your Needs!
When choosing between tankless water heaters vs conventional tanks, consider the amount of water you use and the available space within your home. If you have a restricted area to install a water heater, tankless options free up floor space. If your budget is limited, then conventional tanks might be a better solution.
Modern Air & Water covers all your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs. Contact us for a free quote today, and a member of our dedicated team will be happy to help!