Tank vs. Tankless: Which Water Heater Is Right for You?

How you heat your water in your Riverside, California, area home is a major part of an unseen daily routine. Both tank and tankless water heaters have benefits and disadvantages. Which one you choose needs to be right for your lifestyle and budget. Knowing the difference between a tank and tankless water heater can help you decide which one is the right fit for you and your home. Here is a comparison of some of the major factors.

Initial Cost

As an initial purchase, a tankless water heater can cost more than four times as much as an old-school tank water heater. Typically, tank water heaters cost $500 and above, while tankless water heaters are several thousand dollars. The cost of a tankless water heater can increase if major plumbing alterations are required during a refit.

Efficiency

Tankless water heaters only operate when needed, providing unlimited, on-demand hot water. According to Energy Star, they can save you 45 to 60 percent on energy costs when compared to water heaters operating at minimum efficiency.

Installation

The main component of a tankless water heater is the heat exchanger unit, which is usually mounted on a wall, taking up much less room than traditional tanks. If you need new pipes, though, installing a tankless system can be problematic due to the difficulty of hard-to-reach points of access.

Service Life

Tankless water heaters last 20 to 30 years, which is about twice as long as tank water heaters. The service life of both types of units can be greatly reduced in areas with hard water, so be sure to test your water first.

Tankless and tank water heaters both have benefits and disadvantages to consider depending on your budget and particular needs. If you have questions about whether you should choose a tankless water heater or tank water heater, we are here to help. You can count on the professionals at Hush Air Heating & Air Conditioning to give you great options at affordable prices. Call us at 951-373-3784.

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