If your water heater just broke, and water heater repair isn’t feasible, getting a replacement installed as quickly as possible is probably your main priority. But, as long as water isn’t leaking across your floors, take a few seconds to consider your options. You can change your next tank’s specifications to better suit your house and your household. You can also switch to a tankless water heater system. Here are some advantages of both water heater types:
What are the advantages of a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters are precisely that. Instead of a forty- or fifty-gallon tank of water in your garage, you have a small wall-mounted box. The water is quickly heated as it passes near coils in the box, and the process is so fast you don’t need a built-up supply of water.
Not only does that mean you don’t have to devote the energy to keep that tank of water heating 24/7, but you also don’t have to worry about a leak. A cracked water heater tank can release dozens of gallons of water, and that’s expensive to fix.
At the end of the day, tankless water heaters can save you space, save you money on your monthly energy bill, and save you from potential disasters.
When is a tankless water heater the right choice?
A tankless water heater isn’t the right choice for everyone. But there are dozens of circumstances when tankless heaters can save you money and time. They can also help you make your home LEED-certified, an objectively ranked “green home” status that can get you tax savings and increase your property value. Make sure to include a tankless heater in your final decision if:
- you have a smaller home.
- there’s little demand for simultaneous hot water usage.
- you prioritize green technology and energy conservation.
- you have the time to convert your home’s system to fit a tankless heater (or two).
Tankless water heaters take a bit longer to install the first time, especially if you want two localized units for simultaneous use. But it’s worth considering unless you’re in the middle of an emergency.
What are the advantages of a water heater tank?
Traditional water heater tanks aren’t just a backup plan for when you don’t have the time or money to switch to a new system. Water heater tanks are perfect if you need to have lots of hot water available. Tankless systems can only heat so much water at once; if you want to run your washer, dishwasher, and shower at the same time, something isn’t going to get hot water. Tanks eventually run out, too, but it’s much harder to run through forty or fifty gallons of water.
Tanks are also more budget-friendly than tankless systems. Going tankless means you need a professional to install the system, as well as a dedicated ventilation system to stop the burners from overheating the unit. If your current water heater broke down ahead of schedule, a traditional tank system will only cost you the tank itself and a standard installation service change.
When you should stick with a traditional water heater?
Sometimes, tankless heaters aren’t a good fit. Buy a replacement water heater tank if:
- you have a household that frequently needs simultaneous hot water usage.
- you have a large home, so the tank doesn’t take up valuable space.
- you don’t want to have a new ventilation system or a couple of localized tankless units throughout your house.
- you just want a solution ASAP so your home can have hot water.
No matter what type of water heater you choose, make sure you get it installed by a professional. Experienced technicians can install the heaters quickly and make sure everything is running smoothly. Contact Swan Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to learn more about our water heater services and schedule an appointment.