Shopping for a new water heater can get awfully confusing. There are so many different brands and models on the market that it’s hard to narrow your options down.
So here’s a good place to start — decide whether to get a traditional hot water tank or opt for a tankless water heater. We list the advantages of both, plus offer guidance on when each kind makes the most sense for your home.
Hot Water Tank Advantages
Affordable upfront cost. Conventional hot water tank heaters are relatively inexpensive to purchase and to have installed. Upfront, their price tag tends to run about half the cost of tankless installation.
Fast, uncomplicated installation process. Installing a hot water tank won’t require you to put in any new plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, or venting. The only advance prep ahead of the job is to check whether the model you’re eying will fit into the same space as your old heater.
Lower maintenance. Due to the less complex operating system, hot water tank repair and maintenance is usually straightforward and more affordable. Flushing once or twice a year and basic water heater winterization is usually all the care that a hot water tank needs.
Better water flow rate. In general, a tank heater will provide you with a stronger flow rate, useful when hot water is needed in more than one location at a time.
Improved energy efficiency. While tankless water heaters are the undisputed energy efficiency champions, today’s hot water tanks are much more energy-efficient than they were a decade or two ago, especially if you purchase a make that is certified by Energy Star ™.
Emergency availability. In an emergency, the contents of your tank may be used as a source of drinking or washing water. And when your tank heater is gas-powered, it will keep on working during an electrical outage. (By contrast, tankless water heaters — even gas ones — will cease to function if their electrical control panel is disabled.)
When Does Installing A Hot Water Tank Make Sense?
- You would like to have a new or replacement water heater installed as soon as possible, with minimal disruption to your household.
- Your home’s electrical capacity is 200 amps or less, which is likely to be insufficient for an electric-powered tankless heater — unless you upgrade the system.
- You’d prefer to avoid the hassle and expense of adding a gas line and venting for a natural gas-powered tankless heater.
- You are not planning to stay in your current home long term.
- You spend a lot of time in the house (perhaps working from home or caring for small children) and will use hot water throughout the day.
Tankless Water Heater Advantages
On-demand hot water. Tankless water heaters mean no more waiting for the tank to heat up a fresh supply — even after heavy use!
Energy efficiency. A tankless water heater heats water only as it is needed, using electric coils or a gas burner. It doesn’t waste standby energy to keep a tank full of water hot.
Less expensive operation. The money which you save over time on fuel will help offset the higher initial cost.
Financial perks. Installation of a tankless heater may qualify you for rebates and other financial incentives from the government or utility company.
Longer lifespan. Tankless heaters last up to 20 years, about twice as long as hot water tanks (which means you’ll be facing the expense of water heater replacement a lot less often). When there is no storage tank the amount of wear and tear on the unit is significantly reduced. As a result, these heaters usually carry a longer warranty.
Trim profile. Your tankless heater will save space in your home and is lightweight enough to be mounted on a wall.
Safety. You won’t have to worry about the risk of household damage due to an undetected water heater leak or an explosion.
When Does Installing a Tankless Water Heater Make Sense?
- You plan to stay in your home long enough to realize energy savings over time.
- You tend to experience a high demand for hot water in your house. Do you have a big family or large numbers of houseguests?
- The installation will be part of major home renovations.
- You live in a small home, townhouse, or condo, where every available centimetre of space is precious.
Tank or Tankless, Husky Air Will Expertly Install Your New Water Heater
Now you’ve got the facts you need to make up your mind. Your next step? Contact the professional team at Husky Air. We’ll give you a free, no-obligation quote on water heater sales and installation in Vaughan. We provide quality Navien tankless water heaters and Rinnai tankless units.