When it comes time to replace your existing water tank in Toledo, Ohio, the question that usually follows is, "Are we going to go tankless or stick with a tank water heater?" Well, we get the question a lot, and finding the best solution for your specific situation is going to depend on a few factors. In this blog, we are going to dive into this age-old debate, look at both options, and help you determine the best water heater for you.
Tank Water Heaters
Also known as a hot water storage tank, these tanks store between 40 and 80 gallons of water in a large tank that is heated periodically to maintain hot water for anytime use. These tanks are bulky and use a heat assembly powered by natural gas, propane or electricity to keep the water hot.
Many people prefer tank water heaters because they have a lower overall purchase price, and the associated installation process is relatively straightforward. There is no need to repipe, and for most replacements, it is a simple like-for-like switch-out. These tanks are designed for versatility and can handle multiple appliances or faucets that demand hot water, including showers, dishwashers, and even a sink.
The traditional hot water tank is a great option, but it has some drawbacks. No matter the design or brand, you will experience standby heat loss, and the rate of loss depends on the specific tank. High-efficiency tanks will be slower to lose heat, while standard tanks will lack some of the advanced features and insulation that HE water tanks have, and will lose standby heat faster which means it will need to fire up more often. Further to this, these tanks have a shorter lifespan than other options on the market and, on average, will last between 10-15 years with proper maintenance, less without annual inspections.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have become a household favorite here in Toledo, and these small boxes are able to provide a continuous supply of hot water to homes across the Ohio Valley. Unlike a tank water heater, on-demand water heaters will heat water rapidly with an electric water heater located inside the unit. Instead of storing hot water, the units work on demand and will send hot water within 30-45 seconds to the tap, faucet or machine.
As this system is on-demand, you are not going to have the issues of standby heat loss or the bulkiness that comes with a traditional tank system. Instead, tankless hot water systems are wall-mounted and take up less space than your typical microwave. The system is designed to provide endless hot water and is your best option if you are looking for continuous use applications, as there is less wear and tear from not always having to be online. Tankless water heaters generally last 20 years or more with regular maintenance and annual inspections.
Naturally, no system is perfect, and tankless water systems do have their own set of concerns. This includes a high upfront cost, generally between 2-5 times the cost of a hot water tank and a complex installation process, which includes installing additional vents and can require new gas lines or electrical upgrades. In addition to the costs, tankless systems can struggle when running hot water to multiple parts of the house at the same time, and you will experience a slight 30-45 second delay before hot water starts flowing once you call for it.
How to choose between Tankless and Tank Water Heater
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to hot water tanks, but there are a few general considerations that may help you narrow down the right fit for your home.
If you have a lower upfront budget, are planning to run a shower, the dishwasher and other appliances at the same time and want a simple plug-and-play replacement for your existing water tank, then a tank water heater might be the right choice.
While if you are looking to find a more energy-efficient system, value space and have a need for unlimited hot water, then a tankless water heater is a solution that is going to work for you.
If you are not sure where to start, or simply have some questions about brands, styles or even options, Fry is here to help. We are Toledo’s best plumbing and HVAC company, with years of experience and the expertise to back it up. Our plumbers are happy to walk you through the options and help you find the perfect replacement for your existing residential hot water system.
