Imagine walking to your car parked in the garage, and you see a puddle of water collected under the water heater. After expressing some choice words that might not be suitable for little ears, what is your next move? Hopefully, it’s to call a professional for help!
Many people have a tubular (tanked) water heater, and then there’s those with a tankless water heater. Both heat water, but they do so differently. Each type has a distinctive look, yet both do the same thing – heat the water to your home.
First, let’s be clear about something: They’re not called “hot water heaters.” You’ve probably heard this phrase before and never batted an eye at it. So, what’s in a name? When you think about it, you’re not heating water that’s already hot. You’re heating the water to be used for showers, dishes, laundry, etc.
Okay, now that we got that cleared up, let’s talk about the differences between tanked and tankless water heaters.
Tanked Water Heaters
These are the kind that pretty much everyone is familiar with. A large metal tube that heats the water for the showers, dishwasher, and washing machine in your home. These heat the water from the bottom to the top, and they can be either gas or electric.
What Are The Perks And Disadvantages Of A Tanked Water Heater?
Tanked water heaters are found pretty much everywhere, including places like Lowe’s and Home Depot. They’re relatively easy and straight forward to install, have a simple system, and any technician can put one in. If you’re looking for a water heater that won’t break the bank, then a tanked heater is your best bet.
Quite possibly, the biggest downside to tanked water heaters is that they don’t put out instant hot water as the tankless water heaters do. We all know the feeling of letting the shower heat up before we get in. Another item to keep in mind with tanked water heaters is that they’re filled with water all the time, waiting to be used. There isn’t an “on/off” switch on when you want the hot water.
Tankless Water Heaters
These tend to look like a white box on the wall in your garage or utility room in your home, and they heat water directly without the use of a storage tank.
What Are The Perks And Disadvantages Of A Tankless Water Heater?
If you’re someone who takes long showers, then you’re familiar with the feeling of running out of hot water towards the end. But here’s some good news – you don’t have to worry about that with a tankless.
That’s right – ENDLESS hot showers! A field supervisor with ABQ Plumbing converted to a tankless water heater in his home, and his three daughters and wife put it to test. Spoiler alert: everyone had plenty of hot water for their showers.
If you’re also wondering if they’re ideal for large families, a soak in your tub, or even to possibly help alleviate the pain from migraines, then the answer is yes!
Remember that part about how tankless water heaters heat the water as it goes through? This also makes them more efficient, and you get more out of the little fuel that’s burnt with them. They have a longer lifespan because they only run when they’re being used, and the maintenance is more straightforward than their tanked cousin. Furthermore, we also recommend that you install either a water softener or conditioning system with the tankless water heater. Doing so will go a long way towards extending the life of your water heater.
Okay, now that you’ve heard the fantastic perks of this type of water, what are the downsides? You’ll need to decide if this is the right investment for you and your home. They do tend to start at a higher price tag than the tanked water heaters, and it’s strongly recommended that a professional plumber or technician perform the installation. You don’t want Joe Schmo installing a tankless water heater.
Tanked VS Tankless Water Heaters – Which Is Best For Your Home?
This one is up to you and what works best with your lifestyle and budget. No matter the route you choose, the professionals with Albuquerque Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help. We can come to your home and provide you with a free estimate* for the first-class water heater of your choice and investment decision. Our company will also help to pull a permit and schedule an inspection after the installation. Doing so ensures that the new water heater of your choice is safe and up to code. Kind of makes you feel warm all over, huh?