Trying to choose between a classic water heater with a storage tank or a newer, tankless water heater is something most homeowners face at some point. After all, water heaters are the gold standard for a reliable source of hot water. And since your plumbing fixtures and home appliances rely on this hot water, it’s always crucial to consider all your options carefully.

This handy guide from your local experts at Mountain Air breaks down tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the differences in their design in addition to some benefits and drawbacks of each model. These key details will ensure you can make an informed choice that meets your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve figured it out, feel free to contact our installers for professional tank water heater installation.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters: Tried and True

Let's get to know conventional storage tank water heaters first. That large storage tank is the key feature here, ensuring you have an abundant supply of water that’s continually heated. The moment you need hot water, a tank water heater can deliver it.

Pros:

  • Lower Initial Costs: Tank water heaters generally have smaller expenses for installation, thanks to their less complex design.
  • Simplified Upkeep: An uncomplicated design also means fewer potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Nonstop Heating: Tank water heaters have to keep water continuously heated, which means wasted energy if you’re not frequently using that water.
  • Large Overall Size: The tank itself could become a hurdle in tight quarters. If your home doesn’t have a basement or utility closet, installation is a bit trickier.

On-Demand Tankless Water Heaters: A More Modern Option

Now, let's consider tankless water heaters, an advanced alternative that’s comparatively recent. Unlike tank models, tankless water heaters operate when needed. They’re generating hot water only when requested, thanks to powerful heating elements as the water passes through the system.

Pros:

  • Improved Energy Efficiency: Tankless models are much more energy efficient since they aren’t constantly running.
  • A Smart, Resilient Design: With regular maintenance from a skilled professional, tankless water heaters can boast many years of service.

Cons:

  • Larger Initial Investment: Initial installation costs are higher due to the more intricate design.
  • More Frequent Maintenance: Tankless models do best when provided more routine attention to keep their important parts working efficiently.
  • Compatibility Issues with Old Plumbing: Older homes may not be ready for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can adapt your plumbing to accommodate one, but it might complicate your installation project.

Choosing the Right Water Heater: Tailored to Your Comfort

For most homes, we’d recommend the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters are capable of. But this also depends on factors such as how much hot water you need day to day. You should have a basic idea of how much water is needed to meet your specific hot water needs before you make your selection.

  1. Your Home’s Usual Hot Water Requirements: Estimate how much hot water your household uses on average. For instance, big families who enjoy sports or have pets usually need significantly more hot water than a single person living alone.
  2. Space for Installation: The layout of your home can affect how efficient a water heater operates. Consider all possible installation locations and confirm with professionals if your model is capable of fitting where you want it go.
  3. Regional Climate: Brutally cold winters mean a water heater that works harder. This is more noticeable with tankless models, which are better in situations when there won’t be any huge jumps in water usage.
  4. Energy Prices: Your average energy prices can make one option more enticing over the other.

Don’t forget, seasoned installers like those at Mountain Air can help you in making a more educated decision. They understand which units meet your specific needs before ensuring a smoother installation process.

Reach Out to Mountain Air

If you're ready to make the switch to a tankless water heater in Morgantown, why not call Mountain Air for a no-cost quote? Our skilled plumbing technicians can provide the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 304-413-1287.