Trying to choose between a conventional water heater with a storage tank and a tankless water heater is something most homeowners face at some point. After all, water heaters are the cornerstone for a reliable source of hot water. Because your plumbing fixtures and home appliances depend on this hot water, it’s always crucial to carefully compare your options.

This practical guide from your local experts at Tri County Climate Control LLC breaks down tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the differences in their design along with some benefits and drawbacks of each model. These valuable insights will ensure you can make an educated choice based on your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve made your decision, feel free to contact our installers for expert tank water heater installation.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters: Tried and True

Let's take a closer look at conventional storage tank water heaters first. That large storage tank is the central feature here, ensuring you have a generous supply of water that’s always heated. The moment you need hot water, a tank water heater can deliver it.

Pros:

  • Budget-Friendly Installation: Tank water heaters generally have smaller expenses for installation, thanks in part to a less complex design.
  • Streamlined Maintenance Needs: A streamlined design also means fewer potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Continuous Energy Use: Tank water heaters have to keep water constantly heated, which equals extra cost if you’re not regularly using that water.
  • Large Overall Size: The tank itself is sometimes a challenge in smaller spaces. If the property lacks a basement or utility closet, installation becomes a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Cutting-Edge Comfort

Now, let's explore tankless water heaters, an energy-efficient alternative that’s relatively modern. Compared to tank models, tankless water heaters operate when needed. They’re heating only when you ask for it, thanks to robust heating elements as the water comes through the system.

Pros:

  • Greater Energy Savings: Tankless models are much more energy efficient since they’re not always on.
  • Surprisingly Durable: With routine maintenance from a certified expert, tankless water heaters can enjoy many years of service.

Cons:

  • Higher Setup Cost: Initial installation costs are higher because of the more sophisticated design.
  • Higher Service Needs: Tankless models may require more regular servicing to keep their important parts working efficiently.
  • Retrofitting Challenges: Older homes aren't always prepared 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 a majority of homeowners, we’d recommend the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters provide. But this is based on factors such as how much hot water you need day to day. You should have a basic idea of how much water is needed to meet your specific hot water needs before you make your choice.

  1. Typical Hot Water Use: Assess how much hot water your household uses on average. For instance, large families who enjoy sports or have pets will need much more hot water than if you live by yourself.
  2. How Much Space the Heater Itself Needs: The size of your home can affect how well a water heater operates. Review all possible installation locations and confirm with professionals if your model is an appropriate size.
  3. The Area’s Average Temperatures Through the Year: Long winters mean much higher energy use that time of year. This isn’t ideal for tankless models, which are better in situations when there won’t be any huge jumps in water usage.
  4. Utility Costs: Your community’s utility rates can make one option more attractive over the other.

Remember, seasoned installers like those at Tri County Climate Control LLC can aid you in making a more informed decision. They understand which units meet your specific needs before facilitating a smoother installation process.

Why Not Call Tri County Climate Control LLC?

If you're thinking about a switch to a tankless water heater in Bend, why not call Tri County Climate Control LLC for a no-cost quote? Our expert plumbing technicians can provide the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 541-238-2797.