Making the decision between a traditional water heater with a storage tank and a tankless water heater is a decision you could face at some point. After all, water heaters are the unsung heroes for a consistent source of hot water. Because your plumbing fixtures and home appliances depend on this hot water, it’s always crucial to consider all your options carefully.

This handy guide from your local experts at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating lays out tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the distinct elements in their design in addition to some pros/cons of each one. These key details will ensure you can make an informed choice based on your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve made your decision, give us a call for expert tank water heater installation.

Conventional Storage Tank Water Heaters: The Reliable Choice

Let's take a closer look at conventional storage tank water heaters first. That large storage tank is the central feature here, ensuring you have a generous supply of water that’s constantly heated. As soon as you need hot water, a tank water heater is ready to supply it.

Pros:

  • Lower Initial Costs: Tank water heaters generally have lower up-front installation costs, thanks in part to a simpler design.
  • Streamlined Maintenance Needs: This simpler design also means less potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Continuous Energy Use: Tank water heaters must keep water perpetually heated, which inevitably leads to extra cost if you’re not regularly using that water.
  • Large Overall Size: The tank itself can be a hurdle in cramped spaces. If the property doesn’t have a basement or utility closet, installation is a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Cutting-Edge Comfort

Now, let's explore tankless water heaters, an advanced alternative that’s providing more flexibility to homeowners. Distinct from tank models, tankless water heaters operate on-demand. They’re heating only when needed, with efficient heating elements as the water comes through the system.

Pros:

  • Greater Energy Savings: Tankless models can improve your plumbing’s energy efficiency since they’re not always on.
  • A Smart, Resilient Design: With regular maintenance from a trained technician, tankless water heaters can boast many years of service.

Cons:

  • Higher Setup Cost: Initial installation costs are higher as a result of the more sophisticated design.
  • Higher Service Needs: Tankless models will usually need more periodic maintenance to keep their key elements in sync.
  • Retrofitting Challenges: Older homes aren't always prepared for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can modify your plumbing to accommodate one, but it may add another layer of difficulty to your installation project.

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

For a majority of homeowners, we’d suggest going with the stronger energy efficiency that tankless water heaters are capable of. But this also depends on aspects including how much hot water you use each day. You’ll want to think about your specific hot water needs before you make your selection.

  1. Your Average Hot Water Consumption: Gauge how much hot water your household uses on average. As an example, larger families who are active in sports or have pets will need significantly more hot water than if you live by yourself.
  2. Space for Installation: The layout of your home can impact how effectively a water heater operates. Check out all possible installation locations and confirm with professionals if your model is capable of fitting where you want it go.
  3. The Area’s Average Temperatures Through the Year: Harsh winters mean much higher energy use that time of year. This is more noticeable with tankless models, which are best suited when there won’t be any huge jumps in water usage.
  4. Utility Costs: Your local fuel or electricity costs can make one option more attractive over the other.

Don’t forget, experienced pros like those at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can assist you in making a more educated decision. They understand which units meet your specific needs before facilitating a smoother installation process.

Get a Quote from Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating

If you're thinking about a switch to a tankless water heater in Pella, why not call Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating for a free quote? Our skilled plumbing technicians can offer the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 641-628-3621.