Trying to choose between a traditional water heater with a storage tank or a newer, tankless water heater is something you’ll probably face at some point. After all, water heaters are the gold standard for a reliable source of hot water. And since your plumbing fixtures and home appliances depend on this hot water, it’s always crucial to carefully compare your options.

This handy guide from your local experts at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning breaks down tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the unique aspects of their design as well as some pros/cons of each kind. These valuable insights will give you everything you need to make an informed choice regarding your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve decided, feel free to contact our installers for professional tank water heater installation.

Storage Tank Water Heaters: A Time-Tested Favorite

Let's get to know conventional storage tank water heaters first. That sizable storage tank is the central feature here, holding onto an abundant supply of water that’s continually heated. Whenever you need hot water, a tank water heater is ready to supply it.

Pros:

  • Lower Initial Costs: Tank water heaters will have lower up-front installation costs, thanks in part to a less complex design.
  • Simplified Upkeep: This simpler design also leads to less potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Continuous Energy Use: Tank water heaters have to keep water continuously heated, which means extra cost if you’re not constantly using that water.
  • Bulky Size: The tank itself is sometimes a problem in smaller spaces. If the property doesn’t have a basement or utility closet, installation becomes a bit trickier.

On-Demand Tankless Water Heaters: A More Modern Option

Now, let's explore tankless water heaters, an energy-efficient alternative that’s providing more flexibility to homeowners. Compared to tank models, tankless water heaters operate when needed. They’re heating up water only when requested, with powerful heating elements as the water passes through the system.

Pros:

  • Greater Energy Savings: Tankless models can improve your plumbing’s energy efficiency since they aren’t always on.
  • Surprisingly Durable: With regular maintenance from a trained technician, tankless water heaters can boast a longer life span.

Cons:

  • Bigger Price Tag Up Front: Initial installation costs are higher due to the more intricate design.
  • More Frequent Maintenance: Tankless models do best when provided more regular servicing to keep their vital components in sync.
  • Potential Need to Update Plumbing Infrastructure Updates: Older homes aren’t always equipped for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can retrofit your plumbing to accommodate one, but it may add another layer of difficulty to your installation project.

Deciding on Your Ideal Water Heater: Every Home Has Unique Needs

For most homes, we’d recommend the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters provide. But this also depends on factors such as how much hot water you go through every day. You’ll want to have a basic idea of how much water is needed to meet your specific hot water needs before you make your decision.

  1. Typical Hot Water Use: Gauge how much hot water your household uses on average. For instance, large families who love the outdoors or have pets usually need much more hot water than a single person living alone.
  2. Space for Installation: The size of your home can affect how well a water heater operates. Consider potential installation locations and consult with professionals if your model is capable of fitting where you want it go.
  3. Local Climate: Brutally cold winters mean much higher energy use that time of year. This is more noticeable with tankless models, which are most efficient when there won’t be any huge jumps in water usage.
  4. Utility Costs: Your local energy prices can render one option more appealing over the other.

Keep in mind, a trained professional like those at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning can assist you in making a more knowledgeable decision. They understand which brands meet your specific needs before facilitating a smoother installation process.

Get a Quote from Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning

If you're thinking about a switch to a tankless water heater in Yukon, why not call Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning for a complimentary quote? Our skilled plumbing technicians can offer the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 405-494-7444.