Traditional Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater: Which is Best for My Tucson Home?
If you’re looking for a new water heater, you might be wondering whether a tank water heater or a tankless water heater is better for your home.
The truth is that both are great options, it just depends on what you’re looking for.
Some cost factors that could impact your decision include:
Budget
Hot water preferences
Number of hot water appliances you use at once
The space you have available
Below, we’ll take a look at the key differences between tank and tankless water heaters to help you make the right choice for your home.
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Cost Factor #1: Budget
Tankless water heaters are more expensive to install.
In Tucson, a tankless water heater can run you upwards of $1,800. Meanwhile, a tank water heater can cost around $1,000.
If budget is a priority, a tank water heater might be the better option for you. You’ll still reliably receive hot water and at a good price point.
That being said, tankless heaters can last almost twice as long as a tank heater. Tankless heaters tend to last 20 years while tank heaters last 10-20 years. And tankless water heaters are known for being more energy efficient, which can save you money on your monthly bills. So, if you don’t mind a bigger upfront cost, installing a tankless water heater could provide more long-term savings for you.
Cost Factor #2: Hot water preferences
If you don’t like waiting for water to heat up, a tankless water heater that can heat water on demand is the better option for you.
In comparison, a tank heater needs time to reheat once the water has drained out. The instant hot water produced by tankless water heaters can be a major convenience perk, especially if your household takes long showers back-to-back. You’ll never have to hear complaints about somebody using up all the hot water again.
Cost Factor #3: Number of hot water appliances you use at once
If you need to run several hot water appliances at the same time, a tank heater is the better option.
Tank heaters work by preheating all of the tank’s water and then holding the water until somebody turns a faucet on.
On the other hand, tankless water heaters cannot provide the same amount of hot water because they, on average, provide 5 gallons of hot water per minute. Without a tank, they are limited to a smaller capacity.
Your household’s water usage will determine the type of water heater you should go for. For example, if the most hot water your household will use at the same time is a shower (which uses 2.5 gallons/minute) and to run the dishwasher (which uses 1.5 gallons/minute), you could go with a tankless water heater because your usage is below 5 gallons.
However, if your household frequently runs the dishwasher, washing machine and shower at the same time, a tank water heater guarantees that you’ll have enough hot water for all three appliances.
Cost Factor #4: The space you have available
Tank water heaters require a lot of room, so if space is an issue in your home, this could influence your decision to go with tankless. For example, tank water heaters can house anywhere from 20 to 100 gallons of hot water so homeowners typically need to have a dedicated utility closet or garage space for it.
Meanwhile, tankless water heaters require less space and can be mounted on a wall. They are small enough to fit into cabinets and tight spaces.
Want an honest quote for a water heater? Contact Tucson’s best: Advantage Air Mechanical.
For more than 30 years, Tucson homeowners have turned to Advantage Air Mechanical for quality water heater installations and honest prices. Because our techs don’t work on commission, you’ll get only the best advice for which type of water heater is best for your home. Contact us today and find the best water heater for your home and budget.