The right water heater for your home is a more important decision than you may realize. With the correct one fitted to your home and hot water needs, you can save on energy bills and make your home more energy-efficient overall.
Types of Water Heaters
When it comes to water heaters, there are two options for your home:
- Standard water heaters store water in their tanks. When you turn on the hot water in your home, it’s released through the top of the tank, as cold water enters the heater to replace it. This is also known as a storage tank or tank-style water heater.
- Tankless water heaters heat water instantly with the help of a natural gas burner or an electric element.
Criteria for Choosing Your Water Heater
There are a few factors to consider when choosing between a tankless or tank-style water heater:
Fuel Type
Tankless water heaters can operate off electricity, natural gas, and propane, while storage water heaters can run off the same sources or fuel oil.
Keep in mind that if you don’t have a gas line, this should play into your water heater’s fuel choice.
Sizing
For a standard water heater, a small tank can hold 50 to 60 gallons and usually works for a home of one to three people. A large tank will work better in a home of four to six people.
The right size tankless model is determined by flow rate (how much hot water you’ll need at a time, measured in gallons per minute) and temperature rise, or the difference between incoming cold water and the temperature you’d like.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency in your home, tankless water heaters are your best bet unless you have a high hot water demand.
More specifically, an electric tankless model will typically be more energy-efficient than a gas tankless water heater.
Cost
A tankless water heater will usually cost more than a storage-tank model, but tankless will usually last longer and have lower operating costs, so they’re worth the investment.
Maintenance & Repair
Both water heater types operate at their best when they have annual or semiannual maintenance. Whether you choose a storage tank or tankless system, a plumber must routinely flush your water heater to ensure water quality control.
Tank-style systems are simpler to operate, but they can also have more major repairs, like a burst tank.
Contact Stang Plumbing for Help Choosing the Best Water Heater for You
While both storage and tankless water heaters have their benefits, the water heater you choose is ultimately up to you.
If you have any questions or are ready for a new water heater installation or replacement, Stang Plumbing can help.
Contact Stang Plumbing at (301) 926-1462 or request an appointment online!
