Tankless Water Heaters vs. Storage Tank Water Heaters: Pros and Cons

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(Newswire.net — November 3, 2022) — Most modern houses are stuffed with all kinds of intelligent and helpful devices. Those devices make everything more accessible and more convenient. Commonly, a device that was designed for a certain purpose has at least forms or versions. They are competitors to one another. For example, people frequently compare tankless water heaters vs. tank units. So, one of the devices is with a tank, and another one is without it. Which one is better? This is a good question that we’ll try to answer in our blog post.

You should know that finding a Noritz contractor is a reasonable step because this company is reliable and effective. It helps with everything related to water heating systems and devices. Before you turn to it for help, you need to solve the puzzle of the tankless vs. tank water heater. We will not convince you that a certain unit is better. You will be able to judge from your own perspective when you read the data provided here below. We will highlight the pros and cons of both options. Read on to learn important facts!

Pros of a Tank Unit

As the tank device was created first, it would be fair enough to begin our comparison of the tank vs. tankless water heater from the ancestor. Here they are:

  • Low installation cost. The cost of the device’s installation is pretty cheap, and ordinary families can easily afford this service.
  • Simple to operate. There are no complicated functions and features.
  • Less spending on maintenance and repairs. This unit is not pricey, and if it breaks down, it will not cost a lot. The maintenance costs are pretty cheap as well.
  • Heats large amounts of water. The device can heat from 20 to 80 gallons in capacity. These indicators are great and may satisfy a big family for a long time.

Cons of a Tank Unit

Now, our tankless water heater cost vs. tank comparison goes for the downsides of this option. They are sometimes critical for many people. These are as follows:

  • More time for refilling. Even though the tank may be huge, the water will end sooner or later. It will have to refill itself with water and heat it again. This may take several minutes and so may cause inconveniences for you.
  • A pretty short lifespan. This unit commonly lasts for 10-15 years. This version won’t last for several consecutive uses.
  • Frequent replacements. As this option doesn’t last for too long, you will have to replace it more frequently compared to its tankless opponent.
  • A higher energy bill. A serious drawback is related to its energy consumption. As the water remains in the boiler all the time, it is being heated continuously. Accordingly, more energy is required.
  • A lot of space in the room. Even though the cost of a tankless water heater vs. a tank is lower for the latter one, it will take up a lot of space because of the tank.

Pros of a Tankless Unit

Now, our tankless electric water heater vs. tank comparison moves to the tankless option. It offers a series of great advantages for you. Check out these points:

  • Energy efficient. When you compare a hot water heater tank vs. a tankless one, you should mention its energy efficiency. It surely outweighs the tanked opponent because it does not have to store and regularly heat water in the boiler. It is heated only on demand, so it saves a lot of your money.
  • On-demand heating. It heats from 2 to 5 gallons per minute. This is a very solid result that helps to get hot water on demand without paying a lot for electricity. You heat the water instantly!
  • No smell. As it does not store water in the tank, there is no chance any smell will be caused. The tanked option frequently stores the same water for a long time and thus causes unpleasant smells.
  • Little space consumption. This unit is very diminutive. It can be installed anywhere, and you will hardly notice it. An outside option is also possible.
  • Safer. This version is unlikely ever to explode. As it requires less energy, it is also eco-friendly.
  • No frequent servicing. You can maintain the device only once per year, and this also saves up your earnings.

Cons of the Tankless Unit

The final lap in our tankless gas water heater vs. tank comes to the pros of the tankless option. Certain issues don’t speak in its favor. These are as follows:

  • Pretty expensive. When you compare the tankless vs. tank water heater cost, you quickly realize that the difference is sufficient. An option without a tank is more expensive, and the difference may sometimes reach about $500.
  • Expensive installation. If you want to install a tank water heater, you’ll pay about $400 to $1,000. Sometimes the cost may be higher. In the meanwhile, the tankless analog may take from $1,000 to $6,000. A lot depends on the manufacturer, type of device, and fees charged by the company that installs the device.
  • Repairs cost more. In case the device breaks down, the repairs will be quite pricey.
  • Shortage of hot water. If the water capacity is insufficient, you’ll run out of hot water if several people demand it simultaneously.

The Bottom Line

We have provided fair facts about both options. The main clues speak in favor of a tankless unit. It consumes less energy and so helps to save about 50% of billing compared to the tanked analog. It heats instantly, doesn’t cause any smell, and is compact.

Of course, its cost is very expensive when compared to a tanked version. It may cost from $150 to $2,500 or more. Solar-powered tankless water heaters are the most expensive, and some of them can cost even $6,000. Nevertheless, this investment is profitable in the long because it saves heaps of money on energy bills. Finally, the lifespan of the tankless unit is twice longer, and you won’t have to buy a new device soon.