If you’re looking to upgrade your current water heater system or install one in a new home, you’ll have to choose between a tankless water heater and the more traditional tank option. Before making this choice it’s important to consider the unique positives and negatives of each system to ensure that you’re purchasing the right model for your needs. Here are three main differences to note when making this decision.

3 Key Differences Between Hot Water Heaters With & Without Tanks

1. Capacity and Size

Most tank water heaters hold 20 to 80 gallons of water at all times and must be installed inside a warm locale in order to prevent the tank from freezing. Because of their size, most homeowners place these devices in closets, basements or garages where they are out of the way. Tankless water heaters don’t hold water so they are much smaller and can even be installed outside a home to save space. 

2. Efficiency

Water heaters that have tanks experience standby loss, or energy that is wasted by constantly keeping water hot. Tankless water heaters only warm water when you need it, providing a more energy efficient system that can reduce utility costs while mitigating your impact on the environment. 

3. Installation

Homeowners may need to update their electrical system or gas piping plus exhaust vents and water pipes to power and run a new tankless water heater. This process is more expensive than traditional systems, but the device has a longer lifespan and offers lower utility bills.

Traditional hot water heaters can be installed in a few hours and feature a lower initial cost, as they can be piped into the existing system. However, they have a shorter lifespan because of their constant cycling. 

Homeowners in need of assistance choosing and installing a tankless water heater or tank storage water heater should contact Carolina Plumbing & Water Systems, LLC in The Piedmont Triad, NC. Their technicians have more than 30 years of experience installing, repairing and maintaining water heaters, well pumps, pool systems, and more. Call (919) 563-3709 or visit the website for information on their plumbing team to learn about their ‘round-the-clock emergency offerings, water testing, and more.