Choosing between a conventional water heater with a storage tank or a newer, tankless water heater is a decision you’ll probably face at some point. After all, water heaters are the cornerstone for a reliable source of hot water. Because your plumbing fixtures and home appliances depend on this hot water, it’s always crucial to carefully compare your options.

This useful guide from the local experts at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. breaks down tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the differences in their design in addition to some benefits and drawbacks of each model. These valuable insights will give you everything you need to make an educated choice regarding your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve decided, keep us in mind for expert tank water heater installation.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters: Tried and True

Let's take a closer look at conventional storage tank water heaters first. That sizable storage tank is the key feature here, holding onto an ample supply of water that’s continually heated. As soon as you need hot water, a tank water heater can provide it.

Pros:

  • More Affordable Setup: Tank water heaters typically have lower up-front installation costs, thanks to their straightforward design.
  • Streamlined Maintenance Needs: A streamlined design also translates into less potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Nonstop Heating: Tank water heaters have to keep water perpetually heated, which means extra cost if you’re not regularly using that water.
  • Space Requirements: The tank itself could become a hurdle in tight quarters. If your home doesn’t have a basement or utility closet, installation becomes a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Efficient and Innovative

Now, let's explore tankless water heaters, an advanced alternative that’s providing more flexibility to homeowners. Unlike tank models, tankless water heaters operate only as required. They’re heating only when you ask for it, thanks to powerful heating elements as the water flows through the system.

Pros:

  • Improved Energy Efficiency: Tankless models are much more energy efficient since they aren’t operating nonstop.
  • A Smart, Resilient Design: With regular maintenance from a skilled professional, tankless water heaters can offer many years of service.

Cons:

  • Higher Setup Cost: Initial installation costs are higher because of the more sophisticated design.
  • Higher Service Needs: Tankless models do best when provided more periodic maintenance to keep their vital components working efficiently.
  • Potential Need to Update Plumbing Infrastructure Updates: Older homes may not be ready for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can modify your plumbing to accommodate one, but it might complicate your installation project.

Deciding on Your Ideal Water Heater: Every Home Has Unique Needs

For most homes, we’d recommend the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters are capable of. But this is based on factors such as how much hot water you need day to day. You’ll want to reflect on your specific hot water needs before you make your decision.

  1. Typical Hot Water Use: Assess how much hot water your household goes through on average. As an example, large families who enjoy sports or have pets almost always need much more hot water than a single person living alone.
  2. Sufficient Space to Install It: The layout of your home can affect how effectively a water heater operates. Check out potential installation locations and confirm with professionals if your model is capable of fitting where you want it go.
  3. Local Climate: Long winters mean your water heater will need more energy. This reduces the efficiency of tankless models, which are best suited when there won’t be any large fluctuations in water usage.
  4. Utility Costs: Your average utility rates can render one option more appealing over the other.

Don’t forget, experienced pros like those at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. can aid you in making a more knowledgeable decision. They understand which makes and models meet your specific needs before facilitating a smoother installation process.

Why Not Call LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.?

If you're ready to make the switch to a tankless water heater in Paxinos, why not call LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. for a no-cost quote? Our expert plumbing technicians can provide the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 570-648-0748.