Water Heaters

Choosing a hot water tank for your home involves understanding the benefits of two types of water heaters: conventional storage tanks and tankless models.

While both models will deliver hot water when you turn on a faucet, a conventional hot water storage tank will heat and reheat the same water 24 hours a day. A tankless system, on the other hand, heats water on demand.

Installation:
Hot water storage tanks are less expensive to buy and install than tankless systems. The upfront cost to purchase a tankless system is greater than those for a conventional tank. Tankless models require special electrical connections and upgraded piping and ventilation systems, depending on the type of heater.


Operating costs:
Tankless models have lower energy costs to operate because they heat water only when needed. Right Way Plumbing installs both the Noritz and "On Demand" tankless systems. Despite a tankless system's reduced annual energy costs, the higher price tag and upfront costs means the financial payback may be longer than the 20-year lifespan of many tankless models.

Size:
Tankless water heaters are much smaller compared with traditional holding tanks, which are bulky and can take up valuable square footage. Tankless heaters come in a variety of models that can be mounted either inside or outside a wall, and often in tight spaces, such as closets. Sometimes multiple compact heaters are used in the home, often for specific applications such as supplying hot water in the kitchen. Conventional hot water storage tanks are usually stand-alone units.

Capacity:
Traditional tanks are good for steady, high-use demand. In general, capacity ranges between 40 and 60 gallons, and efficiency varies depending on the model and fuel sources. Tankless models, on the other hand, do not have a limited capacity like traditional tanks because they heat water on demand.

Tankless heaters are measured by per minute flow rate, typically ranging from four to eight gallons per minute (GPM). Depending on your hot water needs, more than one unit may be required.

Either kind of tank should be properly configured for the size of your home and the number of occupants.

Efficiency:
Tankless water heaters heat cold water with a gas burner or electric element as it passes through the unit, which eliminates potential problems with the storage of water, including rusting or scale buildup that may occur over time inside a conventional tank. However, some newer models of traditional storage tanks offer self-cleaning features, which lengthen the tank's life and extend peak efficiencies.

Maintenance:
Tankless models are extremely durable, have a longer life expectancy (20+years) compared with conventional water heaters (average of 10-15 years or so) and require little maintenance over their lifetime. A qualified plumbing specialist should be consulted for the maintenance requirements of either type.