Making the decision between a traditional water heater with a storage tank or a newer, tankless water heater is something most homeowners face at some point. After all, water heaters are the unsung heroes for a dependable source of hot water. Because your plumbing fixtures and home appliances rely on this hot water, it’s always important to consider all your options carefully.

This practical guide from the local experts at Everest Heating & Cooling lays out tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the differences in their design as well as some benefits and drawbacks of each type. These key details will help you make an educated choice based on your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve decided, give us a call for expert tank water heater installation.

Storage Tank Water Heaters: A Time-Tested Favorite

Let's examine conventional storage tank water heaters first. That sizable storage tank is the key feature here, ensuring you have an ample supply of water that’s continually heated. As soon as you need hot water, a tank water heater can deliver it.

Pros:

  • Budget-Friendly Installation: Tank water heaters generally have lower up-front installation costs, thanks in part to a simpler design.
  • Easier Maintenance: This simpler design also translates into fewer potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Continuous Energy Use: Tank water heaters have to keep water perpetually heated, which equals extra cost if you’re not constantly using that water.
  • Bulky Size: The tank itself can be a hurdle in smaller spaces. If your home doesn’t have a basement or utility closet, installation can be a bit trickier.

On-Demand Tankless Water Heaters: A More Modern Option

Now, let's consider tankless water heaters, an energy-efficient alternative that’s providing more flexibility to homeowners. Unlike tank models, tankless water heaters operate only as required. They’re heating only when needed, with robust heating elements as the water passes through the system.

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Larger Initial Investment: Initial installation costs are higher as a result of the more sophisticated design.
  • More Frequent Maintenance: Tankless models do best when provided more routine attention to keep their important parts functioning smoothly.
  • Retrofitting Challenges: Older homes aren't always prepared for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can adapt your plumbing to accommodate one, but it could add further costs to your installation project.

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

For most homes, we’d suggest going with the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters are capable of. But this is based on aspects including how much hot water you need day to day. You’ll want to have a basic idea of how much water is needed to meet your specific hot water needs before you make your selection.

  1. Your Home’s Usual Hot Water Requirements: Gauge how much hot water your household consumes on average. For instance, big families who love the outdoors or have pets almost always need significantly more hot water than a single person living alone.
  2. How Much Space the Heater Itself Needs: The dimensions of your home can influence how effectively a water heater operates. Review potential installation locations and consult with professionals if your model is the right fit.
  3. Regional Climate: Brutally cold winters mean much higher energy use that time of year. This reduces the efficiency of tankless models, which are better in situations when there won’t be any huge jumps in water usage.
  4. Energy Prices: Your local utility rates can render one option more appealing over the other.

Don’t forget, seasoned installers like those at Everest Heating & Cooling can help you in making a more knowledgeable decision. They understand which brands meet your specific needs before delivering a smoother installation process.

Get a Quote from Everest Heating & Cooling

If you're thinking about a switch to a tankless water heater in Lansing, why not call Everest Heating & Cooling for a free quote? Our expert plumbing technicians can give the peace of mind that you’ll always have the hot water you need. Call today at 913-845-9463.