In the U.S. alone, more than 9 million units of water heaters get sold each year.
Hot water, after all, helps warm the body up during cold days, which, in turn, can cause your heart rate to slow down. Plus, hot water is better for cleaning; for instance, it melts grease on dining and cookware.
Thus, if your current water heater is on the fritz, it may be time to explore your replacement options.
In this guide, you’ll learn about tankless vs. tank water heaters, the two primary types you can buy today. Keep reading, as it may help you decide which one is best for your home.
Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters: The Primary Difference
The primary difference is that a tankless water heater doesn’t have a storage tank. Instead, it produces hot water on demand. That’s also why some models, like the ones you’ll see on https://www.qbicheating.co.uk/water-heaters, go by the name “instantaneous water heater.”
It’s vital to note that tankless heaters still take about 15 seconds to heat the water. Moreover, you must wait a few seconds for the water to flow out of taps or showerheads.
On the other hand, conventional tank water heaters rely on a tank in which they heat and store hot water. They keep the water at a set temperature, letting users draw preheated water as needed. So as long there’s hot water in the tank, you can expect hot water whenever you run a hot water tap.
What Makes Tankless Heaters Better?
Tankless water heaters are usually more energy-efficient than their tanked counterparts. One reason is that tank-style heaters experience standby energy loss. It’s the process in which the stored water gradually loses heat the longer it stays in the tank.
Since tankless heaters don’t have tanks, they also don’t have standby energy losses.
That energy efficiency also helps tankless heaters generate fewer greenhouse gases (GHGs). GHGs trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. They’re byproducts of energy use, so the more energy an appliance consumes, the more GHGs it emits.
For the same reason, tankless heaters can help you save on water heating costs. However, if you want maximum savings, your best bet is to go with an Energy Star-certified unit. It uses 9% less energy than a non-certified, conventional gas tankless heater.
When Should You Consider a Tank Water Heater?
If you have a big household, it might be best to stick to a larger-sized tank heater. Doing so can help ensure there’s enough hot water during simultaneous use.
A tankless water heater may not be suitable for such families because of its lower flow rate. So, if you only have one tankless heater, simultaneous use may result in it not producing enough hot water.
You do have the option to install two or more tankless water heaters but prepare for the high cost of doing so. They’re more expensive than their tank-style counterparts.
Time to Buy a New Water Heater
And there you have it, your brief but concise guide comparing tankless vs. tank water heaters. Now you know tankless heaters deliver hot water on demand and often use less energy. You also learned that tank-type heaters cost less and may be better for bigger families.
So, keep those pros and cons in mind to help you make a more informed decision when buying a new water heater.
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