When you’re going to choose a water heater for your home, at that time the decision often comes down to two options: a tankless water heater vs a tank. Both options have their own set of benefits, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, home size and budget. In this article, we’ll explore the main differences, benefits and considerations between a tank vs tankless water heater to help you make an informed decision.
The Basics: Tank vs Tankless Water Heater
First of all, you have to clarify what the actual system is. In a tank water heater, a large amount of hot water is stored; usually, a tank water heater can contain from 30 to 80 gallons. It constantly heats and reheats water to maintain a ready supply of hot water whenever you need it. On the other hand, a tankless water heater provides hot water according to your desire, which means a tankless water heater can provide you with hot water when you turn on the faucet or appliance that requires it. This system doesn’t store hot water; that’s why it’s often referred to as an ‘’on-demand‘’ water heater.
Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
We’re going to explain all the benefits of a tankless water heater. In this blog, we’ll discuss what are the impacts of tankless water heaters and how they are useful for a better lifestyle.
Energy Efficient:
The most important and major selling point of tankless water heaters vs tanks is energy efficiency. Since tankless water heaters only provide you with hot water when you need it, they eliminate the energy loss associated with keeping a large tank of water hot at all times. This can result in significant savings on your energy bill, especially if you use hot water frequently.
Space Saving:
The tankless water heater is more convenient if we compare tankless or tank heaters. Without the heavy tank, you can free up space in your home, whether it’s in your basement, garage, or utility closet. For homeowners with limited space, this is a very essential factor.
Longer Lifespan:
Usually, we see that tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional water heaters. Although a conventional hot water tank vs a tankless system might last around 10 to 15 years, a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. We can say this makes it a great long-term investment.
Consistent Hot Water Supply:
You need not worry about running out of hot water because, with the tankless water heater repair you can save water. Since it heats water on demand, you can take it while someone else does laundry or dishes without losing hot water. This is a significant advantage over tank vs tankless, where you might run out of hot water if multiple people are using it at the same time.
The Benefits of a Tank Water Heater
Tank water heaters are less expensive upfront and require less maintenance than tankless models. Moreover, they provide an abundance of hot water, so they are ideal for homes with high hot water demands.
Lower Initial Cost:
If you’re working within a budget, the upfront cost of a tank water heater is usually lower than a tankless water heater. While tankless water heaters can cost more to install, especially when you need to upgrade your gas line or electrical system, a tank or tankless water heater can be a more budget-friendly option for those who need a quick solution.
Simplicity and Reliability
Tank water heaters are tried and tested. They’ve been in use for decades, and their technology is simple, making them less prone to breakdowns. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, no-fuss solution, a tank or tankless hot water heater could be a good choice.
Easier Installation
Installing a tank water heater is usually faster and easier, with fewer upgrades needed. Whether you’re replacing an old water heater or installing one in a new home, the process is usually straightforward. This can also keep your installation costs lower compared to tankless hot water heaters vs. tank options.
Larger Capacity for Larger Households
For larger families or homes with high hot water demands, a tank water heater can provide the necessary volume of hot water all at once. If you need to supply hot water for multiple bathrooms, a kitchen, and a laundry room simultaneously, a tank vs tankless might be better suited to meet your needs.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
If you’re thinking about upgrading or replacing your old water heater, a tankless water heater could be the best option. Its tiny size and energy efficiency are specifically attractive to homeowners with limited space or those who want to minimise their energy costs. If your traditional and current water heater is outdated, then you must choose a tankless water heater. It’s a more beneficial consideration if you consider a tank-to-tankless water heater.
Consider a worthless investment with the best tankless water heater Canada
As we know, in Canada, winters are very harsh, and the demand for hot water is high; many homeowners are making the switch to tankless hot water in Canada. These systems offer consistent hot water even in extreme temperatures because they don’t store water. You won’t have to worry about your freezing pipes in harsh winters. But on the other side, if you’re asking, are tankless water heaters worth it in Canada? In the answer, we can say all criteria depend on your family size and usage of water. For large families, we suggest you choose a tank or tankless water heater because they can manage your high demand.
Cost Considerations
If you’re going to choose tank vs tankless, the most crucial point must be considered, ‘’the key point is cost. A tankless water heater can cost anywhere from $1000 to $3000, including installation. Meanwhile, the starting price is higher, and the energy savings over time can offset this expense. There may also be rebates and incentives available in your area that may help reduce the cost of installation.
Long-Term Benefits
A tankless water heater can be the best investment if you want to stay in your home for a long time. As you know, the tankless water heater lasts longer, uses less energy and takes up less space. With time, the savings on energy bills can make up for the higher initial cost. If you are willing to invest a little more upfront, the long-term benefits are worth considering.
FAQs
Should I Get a Tank or Tankless Water Heater?
Your needs will depend on your budget, hot water requirements, and space. For those looking for energy savings, space savings, and longevity, a tankless water heater is the best choice. A tank water heater, on the other hand, might be more suited for bigger homes or homes with high usage.
Is It Worth Replacing a Tank Water Heater with a Tankless?
Yes, especially if you’re looking to save space and lower energy bills. The transition from a tank to a tankless water heater can offer great long-term benefits, although the initial installation cost may be higher.
What Are the Negatives of a Tankless Water Heater?
Some negatives of a tankless water heater include the higher upfront cost, the potential need for plumbing and electrical upgrades, and the possibility of limited hot water flow if you have high demands.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It in Canada?
In Canada, where hot water demand is high and winters can be long, tankless water heaters are an excellent choice for energy savings and year-round performance. However, for large homes with many people, a tank or tankless water heater might still be the better option, depending on usage.