In the late 1800s, the tank water heater revolutionized daily life for millions. This appliance automatically heats, stores, and delivers hot water for all your household needs. The tankless water heater came on the market decades later. This type of heating system flash-heats water and delivers it within seconds.
Both types of water heaters are still in use today, but which one is right for your household? Find out their differences below. Then, contact us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Clearwater to schedule your installation.
How They Heat Water
Tank and tankless heaters have different designs. The ways they heat your water are different too.
Tank Storage Water Heater
A tank water heater works with gravity and the laws of thermodynamics to heat and store a supply of water for your home. It draws cold water, which sinks to the bottom of the tank. A burner or a heating element raises the water temperature to a preset level.
As the water heats, it rises to the top of the tank. When you turn on a faucet, a top-mounted hot water pipe delivers it where it is needed. As the water level goes down, the tank heater draws in more cold water for heating. If you do not immediately use your stored hot water, the appliance will keep it hot until you do. This requires a continuous use of energy.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater does not store water. Instead, it heats cold water on demand and sends it to the faucet and/or appliances that need it. The process takes place within a few seconds, so you don’t have to wait for your hot water.
A tankless appliance does not have any storage capacity. It heats water instantly by pulling it from your plumbing system into a built-in heat exchanger. Like a storage tank heater, it has a cold-water intake pipe and a hot-water delivery pipe attached to the unit.
Water Capacity
A tankless water heater can only deliver a specific number of gallons per minute. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this ranges between two and five GPM, depending on the model. If you are showering, running the dishwasher, and doing a load of laundry at the same time, your hot water supply may not meet your demand.
On average, for example, a shower uses 3 gallons of water per minute, a dishwasher requires up to 10 gallons per load, and a washing machine draws up to 40 gallons. If you often use this amount of water at one time, you may need more than one tankless water heater to meet your household demands.
A tank storage water heater’s capacity depends on the size of the tank. Storage capacities range from 20 to 80 gallons. A medium to large tank would have enough water to handle all of the above hot water demands simultaneously.
Keep in mind, though, that if you empty your storage tank all at once, it will take some time to heat up a new supply of hot water. When you run out while showering, for example, you are done. With an on-demand heater, you get a continuous supply of water, although the appliance’s GPM capacity limits its flow.
Fuel Types
Both on-demand and tank water heaters can run on electricity, propane, or natural gas. You can select which fuel you prefer and choose a water heater accordingly.
Pros of Gas/LP-Powered Units
- It heats water more efficiently.
- It brings up the water temperature faster.
- It is likely less expensive to operate.
Cons of Gas-Powered Units
- It requires venting to the outdoors.
- It requires a fuel supply line.
- It needs periodic maintenance.
Advantages of Electric-Powered Water Heaters
- It tends to last longer.
- It is less expensive to install than a gas unit.
- It has a convenient power source.
- Maintenance is minimal.
Disadvantages of Electric Water Heaters
- It takes longer to heat a tank of water.
- Electricity generally costs more than natural gas.
- Heat loss will occur during power outages.
Energy Use
Because of how it works, a tank water heater uses more energy than a tankless model. It must maintain a tankful of hot water at all times. That means it consumes power at all times.
In contrast, a tankless heater only heats water on demand. Otherwise, it does not use energy unless it has an electric pilot light. That is the main reason a tankless model is more energy efficient.
Find Out Which Type of Water Heater Will Work Best for Your Family
Ask your local pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Clearwater to help you determine which kind of water heater is better for your family’s comfort and your budget. Our experienced plumbers are your best resource for all your plumbing questions and problems. Get in touch with us today to schedule a visit.