Making the decision between a traditional water heater with a storage tank and a tankless water heater is a decision most homeowners face at some point. After all, water heaters are the gold standard for a consistent source of hot water. Because your plumbing fixtures and home appliances count on this hot water, it’s always important to consider all your options carefully.

This handy guide from the local experts at Arizona Comfort Systems 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 one. These key details will help you make an educated choice regarding your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve made your decision, feel free to contact our installers for expert tank water heater installation.

Conventional Storage Tank Water Heaters: The Reliable Choice

Let's examine conventional storage tank water heaters first. That sizable storage tank is the key feature here, ensuring you have an ample supply of water that’s always heated. Whenever you need hot water, a tank water heater can deliver it.

Pros:

  • Lower Initial Costs: Tank water heaters typically have lower up-front installation costs, thanks to their less complex design.
  • Easier Maintenance: A streamlined design also leads to fewer potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Nonstop Heating: Tank water heaters must keep water continuously heated, which inevitably leads to extra cost if you’re not constantly using that water.
  • Space Requirements: The tank itself can be a problem in cramped spaces. If the property is missing a basement or utility closet, installation is a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Efficient and Innovative

Now, let's check out tankless water heaters, an innovative alternative that’s comparatively recent. Distinct from tank models, tankless water heaters operate when needed. They’re generating hot water only when you ask for it, using robust 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 constantly running.
  • A Smart, Resilient Design: With regular maintenance from a certified expert, tankless water heaters can boast a longer life span.

Cons:

  • Bigger Price Tag Up Front: Initial installation costs are higher because of the more complex design.
  • More Frequent Maintenance: Tankless models do best when provided more routine attention to keep their vital components working efficiently.
  • Compatibility Issues with Old Plumbing: Older homes may not be ready for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can modify 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

In general, we’d suggest the stronger energy efficiency that tankless water heaters are capable of. But this may be dependent on factors such as how much hot water you need day to day. You’ll want to think about your specific hot water needs before you make your decision.

  1. Your Average Hot Water Consumption: Assess how much hot water your household uses on average. As an example, big families who love the outdoors or have pets will need a lot more hot water than if you live by yourself.
  2. Sufficient Space to Install It: The dimensions of your home can influence how well a water heater operates. Consider potential 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 reduces the efficiency of tankless models, which are most efficient when there won’t be any big spikes in water usage.
  4. Energy Prices: Your local energy prices can make one option more attractive over the other.

Keep in mind, experienced pros like those at Arizona Comfort Systems can aid you in making a more informed decision. They understand which makes and models meet your specific needs before ensuring a smoother installation process.

Why Not Call Arizona Comfort Systems?

If you're thinking about a switch to a tankless water heater in Sierra Vista, why not call Arizona Comfort Systems for a complimentary quote? Our expert plumbing technicians can provide the peace of mind that you’ll always have the hot water you need. Call today at 520-415-5681.