If it’s time for a water heater replacement, you may be wondering if you should buy a tank or tankless model. This appliance is a big investment, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both models before deciding.

The Difference Between a Storage & Tankless Water Heater?

A traditional water heater heats and stores about 40 to 50 gallons of water at one time. Hot water is held at the top of the tank while the colder water is kept at the bottom. As the hot water is taken from the top, the cold water is heated. A tankless water heater only uses energy to heat the water when an appliance is being used. 

Traditional Water Heater

One of the biggest advantages of a storage water heater replacement is the lower installation cost compared to a tankless system. It will also provide hot water immediately since it has a supply ready to use at all times. Because of this, you won’t have to wait long to take a hot shower. One major drawback is higher utility bills. The system constantly reheats water, which demands a lot of energy.

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters only heat water when you turn on the faucet, so less energy is used. With a tankless system, the utility bills will be much lower. This system also takes up less space than a traditional water heater. If you don’t have a lot of extra room in the home, a tankless model may be the better option. Tankless water heater replacements are a bit more expensive to purchase and install. Tankless models with electric controls also may not be capable of providing hot water during power outages.

If you need a new water heater, contact the team at Bryant Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical & Plumbing in Lancaster County, NE. They have been in business since 1952 and specialize in water heater replacement, furnace repair, and an array of other plumbing and HVAC services. The company earned the 2014 BBB® Integrity Award and always put their customers first. For more information about their services, call (402) 467­-1111 or visit their website.