Choosing between a classic water heater with a storage tank or a newer, tankless water heater is a decision most homeowners face at some point. After all, water heaters are the cornerstone for a consistent source of hot water. Because your plumbing fixtures and home appliances count on this hot water, it’s always crucial to carefully compare your options.

This useful guide from your local experts at Mechanical Air Systems Co lays out tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the differences in their design along with some pros/cons of each kind. These key details will ensure you can make an informed choice based on your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve decided, keep us in mind for expert tank water heater installation.

Conventional Storage Tank Water Heaters: The Reliable Choice

Let's examine conventional storage tank water heaters first. That sizable storage tank is the central feature here, ensuring you have an ample supply of water that’s always heated. The moment you need hot water, a tank water heater is ready to supply it.

Pros:

  • More Affordable Setup: Tank water heaters generally have lower up-front installation costs, thanks to their straightforward design.
  • Simplified Upkeep: This simpler design also translates into less potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Continuous Energy Use: Tank water heaters must keep water continuously heated, which means extra cost if you’re not frequently using that water.
  • Bulky Size: The tank itself could become a problem in tight quarters. If the property lacks a basement or utility closet, installation is a bit trickier.

On-Demand Tankless Water Heaters: A More Modern Option

Now, let's explore tankless water heaters, an energy-efficient alternative that’s comparatively recent. Compared to tank models, tankless water heaters operate on-demand. They’re heating only when you ask for it, with robust heating elements as the water passes through the system.

Pros:

  • Greater Energy Savings: Tankless models are much more energy efficient since they’re not constantly running.
  • A Smart, Resilient Design: With regular maintenance from a trained technician, tankless water heaters can offer many years of service.

Cons:

  • Bigger Price Tag Up Front: Initial installation costs are higher as a result of the more sophisticated design.
  • Higher Service Needs: Tankless models do best when provided more routine attention to keep their key elements working efficiently.
  • Potential Need to Update Plumbing Infrastructure Updates: Older homes may not be ready for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can retrofit your plumbing to accommodate one, but it may add another layer of difficulty to your installation project.

Picking Your Water Heater: Consider What Suits You Best

For a majority of homeowners, we’d suggest going with the greater energy efficiency that tankless water heaters provide. But this may be dependent on variables like how much hot water you use each day. You’ll want to have a basic idea of how much water is needed to meet your specific hot water needs before you make your decision.

  1. Your Home’s Usual Hot Water Requirements: Assess how much hot water your household goes through on average. As an example, big families who enjoy sports or have pets almost always need significantly more hot water than a single person living alone.
  2. Space for Installation: The size of your home can impact how efficient a water heater operates. Review all possible installation locations and confirm with professionals if your model is the right fit.
  3. Local Climate: Long winters mean much higher energy use that time of year. This reduces the efficiency of tankless models, which are best suited when there won’t be any big spikes in water usage.
  4. Utility Costs: Your average utility rates can render one option more enticing over the other.

Don’t forget, a trained professional like those at Mechanical Air Systems Co can aid you in making a more educated decision. They understand which units meet your specific needs before delivering a smoother installation process.

Reach Out to Mechanical Air Systems Co

If you're considering a switch to a tankless water heater in Mason City, why not call Mechanical Air Systems Co for a no-cost quote? Our expert plumbing technicians can provide the peace of mind that you’ll always have the hot water you need. Call today at 641-243-4654.