With the option to get either a tank water heater or a tankless water heater, homeowners may not know which is the best option for their needs. Today, we’re breaking down the costs associated with hot water tanks and tankless water heaters in Mississauga to give you the best suggestions based on water consumption.
Understanding the Difference
A tank water heater is a large cylinder that stores water for appliance use. The tank water heater has a small heating element (either gas or electric) that operates to heat the water. Cold water comes in through the bottom of the tank and as it heats up, it rises to the top.
On the other hand, a tankless water heater doesn’t need a storage tank. Instead, there is a small heating element (either gas or electric) that heats water as it passes through. This means that there is hot water available on demand.
Which Makes The Most Sense Based on Water Usage?
Choosing between a tank water heater and a tankless water heater often comes down to how much water will be used in the household on any given day.
If you have a fair amount of members in the household, your tank water heater needs to be large enough so everyone can use the hot water that is stored. If you’ve ever had a cold shower, you’ll know that sometimes a tank isn’t large enough depending on how many hot water appliances are being used. If you are going the tank water heater route, make sure to get one that holds an ample amount of water and then some, to ensure that every appliance gets hot water when it’s necessary.
Now, a tankless water heater may be an option for homeowners, but there are a few things to consider. Sometimes, tankless water heaters can’t produce hot water fast enough for a large amount of users if it is a small heating unit. The other thing to consider is how cold the incoming water will be. The colder the incoming water from the outside source, the faster the heater needs to work.
With both options, be sure to consider:
- How many appliances use hot water during the day
- Be mindful of the storage capacity of a tank and how much water you typically use
- The heating rate of a tankless heater in comparison to how fast you need the water
How Much Can You Save?
Thanks to Energy Star, both tank water heaters and tankless water heaters can offer savings in costs and in usage. On average, the Energy Star website ranks their tank water heaters as using 14% less energy than a standard model, and they rank their tankless water heater as using 30% less energy on average than a standard model. Both methods are shown to reduce the carbon footprint of a household and cost to run the appliances. Although tankless water heaters can be initially more expensive to install than a tank water heater, the savings can help justify the initial cost.
For more information on types of water heaters and how they can be installed in your home, please contact an Applewood Air specialist. We’ve been helping homeowners in Mississauga choose water heating solutions that are perfect for their lifestyle.
