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What Tank and Tankless Water Heaters?

A tank model heats a large amount of water to a desired temperature then stores it in the tank for use when the water is needed. Because the hot water is stored in a tank, energy is consumed when there is no immediate demand for hot water. This is great when using hot water for more than one application at a time. However, there is a limited amount of hot water in the storage reserve tank. Once it’s gone it’s gone and needs to be replaced, which takes time. Tankless water heaters don’t hold a reserve of pre-heated water. Instead, they heat water right when showers, sinks, and other appliances call for it. The tankless water heater turns on when hot water is needed, warms to the desired temperature, and then sends it to the correct outlet. Unlike traditional tank water heaters, tankless heaters need to heat the water up on demand, and if more than one person is trying to take a shower at the same time the water could be cooler than desired.

Do the Energy Savings Outweigh the Operational Costs of Tankless Water Heaters?

While tankless water heaters cost more upfront, it’s energy savings or payback period after the initial install pay for themselves back over time. The Department of Energy estimates homeowners save roughly an estimated $100 per year on energy costs. Overall, a tankless water heater saves more energy and has lower operating costs than a traditional tank water heater.

What Is the Lifespan of a Tank Vs. a Tankless Water Heater?

There are never any guarantees on how long an actual water heater will last (which is true with any system out there) industry standards for a traditional tank water heater will last on average between 10 to 15 years. Conversely, a tankless water heater can last 20 years with routine maintenance. It’s also important to note that when traditional tank water heaters fail, they often fail to dramatic effect. Which can cause costly water damage. With a tankless water heater, the owner is much more protected against water damage in the event of equipment failure.

What's the Installation Process Like?

Since a traditional water heater has a large tank there is a much larger space requirement to install it. They are installed somewhere out of sight, usually in a garage, basement, or storage closet. Tankless water heaters are perfect for installation where space is restricted because they are smaller and may be mounted on the wall. It’s also a good idea to have it inspected annually once it’s installed. Getting the system inspected and cleaned on an annual basis helps to reduce unexpected repairs.

Is There a Cost Differences Between Traditional and Tankless Water Heaters?

A tankless water heater usually costs more to install than a traditional tank water heater. The equipment alone is more expensive. If switching from a traditional to a tankless heater the installer needs to do what is called a retrofit to accommodate the newer system. There are some variables that come into play when it comes to the installation of a tankless water heater, but as of the writing of this post, homeowners can expect to pay between $4400 and $4800 for a tankless. All said and done, the tankless water heater will cost more upfront than a tank model. With the current climate of things in the economy, there have been many increases in a very short amount of time for both tank and tankless water heaters. The cost of a tank water heater will also depend on some variables when it comes to the size (40-gallon, 50-gallon, or 75-gallon) and how the tank is heated. Expect to pay in a range of $1700 to $4000 as of the writing of this post.

Leave it To Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical has been in business for close to four decades providing service to the Sun Prairie, WI area and beyond. They employ highly qualified technicians who provide quality service tailored to each individual customer's needs and budget. Contact them to schedule water heater services today or get a free estimate on any home project!

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