Your water heater is an integral aspect of home comfort and quality of life. The type of water heater you choose matters. This is a big investment and one you’ll live with for a decade or several. The right water heater for you depends on a range of factors. To help you consider those, let’s explore the pros and cons of the most prevalent water heaters on the market.
The Advantages of Tank Water Heaters
Storage-based water heaters are the traditional choice. Americans have been using them for over 100 years, and your home is likely already set up for one. The equipment costs will be more affordable. The installation costs will be lower as well, and most installs take less than an hour. These systems are efficient in all climates. Maintenance and repair costs are relatively low. They come in a variety of sizes and form factors. Tank water heaters also offer a high flow rate. As long as you have hot water, someone in the house can take a shower while you wash dishes and do the laundry.
The Disadvantages of Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters require more ongoing maintenance than other types of water heaters. You have to flush them at least once and perhaps twice a year. A plumber must also check the anode rod annually and replace it as needed. Utility costs are higher with storage-based systems because the system has to heat the water constantly. Sizing for high demand, such as during the holidays, is impractical because you’ll pay for it daily. All tanks will eventually leak, so there’s always the risk of water damage. For this reason, it’s important to replace your tank water heater proactively.
The Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
The biggest advantage of tankless water heaters from a comfort perspective is that you’ll never run out of hot water. The maintenance is less, as is the risk of needing a repair. They cost less to run daily, too. Households can save as much as $110 a year. The other big advantage is that tankless heaters easily last 20 years and can last as long as 30. Tank water heaters generally last around 10 years. On-demand systems also age more gracefully and remain efficient as they get older. Tank water heaters, on the other hand, become more expensive to operate as they get older. With a tankless water heater, you can size for periods of heightened demand at a one-time cost.
The Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters can be more difficult to size accurately. You need to account for the flow rate of all the fixtures and appliances you’ll use simultaneously. A 2-to-5-gallon system may be enough for the average household. That flow rate may not allow you to wash dishes and do laundry while someone showers. The hot water delay can be higher with tankless systems. There’s also the potential for the cold sandwich effect. This is when a burst of cold water interrupts the hot water stream. These problems are avoidable with a small storage tank or a recirculating pump, but those are additional costs. Tankless water heaters are also sensitive to limescale, so you may need an anti-scale device installed as well.
The Advantages of Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters are more affordable upfront than their fuel-burning counterparts. They’re easier and cheaper to install. Electric water heaters are clean. There’s no exhaust, and you don’t have to worry about carbon monoxide and other air quality issues. They’re safer in general. You never have to worry about relighting them. Electric water heaters also have a smaller footprint and are available in a wider range of capacities. If you want a small tank, electric may be your only option.
The Disadvantages of Electric Water Heaters
If there’s a power outage, an electric water heater won’t function at all. Electricity is more expensive than other fuel sources, so operating costs are higher despite the better efficiency. These units are much slower to heat than fuel-burning models. It can take a while after a power outage to get back up to temperature. This is also a problem if you use a lot of hot water at once. The system can take a long time to recover, and in the meantime, you may deal with lukewarm water.
The Advantages of Fuel-Burning Water Heaters
The biggest advantage of a fuel-burning water heater is the lower operating costs. If you have access to natural gas, you’ll pay about 33% less each month on average. That is a significant difference. You’ll pay more if you have to use propane or heating oil. Still, these systems will be much less expensive over their lives than their electric counterparts. Fuel-burning water heaters will also function during a power outage.
There are some caveats here. Electric tankless water heaters can be more efficient for households with low hot water demands. Many fuel-burning water heaters use some electricity but can function without it. Some cannot. This is common with fuel-burning tankless water heaters because they use electricity for ignition.
The Disadvantages of Fuel-Burning Water Heaters
Combustion is a concern with water heaters that burn natural gas, propane, or heating oil. Proper ventilation is required to ensure that there’s no carbon monoxide in the home. You’ll also need an annual cleaning of the fuel-burning components and an annual inspection of the ventilation system.
A Note About Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters are a type of electric tank water heater. The main difference is that they don’t generate heat directly through a heating element. They exchange heat energy through a refrigeration process. This approach has the same limitations as any storage-based system does. It does not have the limitations most electric water heaters do. Heat pump water heaters can be even more efficient than tankless water heaters, depending on how much hot water you use daily. Because of their longer lifespans, tankless water heaters still tend to win out when it comes to total costs.
A Note About Solar Water Heaters
You can have an electric tank or tankless water heater you power through a home’s solar array. The term solar water heater generally refers to tank water heaters with their own dedicated panels. There are both direct and indirect systems. Indirect systems, which have a heat exchanger, are necessary in areas that experience freezing temperatures. Solar power without battery backup can be unpredictable. You can pair these systems with backup hot water, such as an electric tankless water heater.
Would You Like to Install a New Water Heater in San Antonio?
Rosenberg Plumbing & Air is an ACCA Residential Contractor of the Year and has served Greater San Antonio for over 20 years. Our plumbers install all types of tank and tankless water heaters. We perform camera inspections, drain cleaning, sewer and septic tank plumbing, leak detection, repiping, and slab leak repair. Our plumbers also specialize in faucets, toilets, garbage disposals, water treatment, and sump pumps. Our HVAC technicians install and service furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits.
We offer ductwork and indoor air quality services, including dehumidifiers and UV lights. Our technicians and plumbers are also available around the clock for emergency repairs. Call today or reach out to us online with any questions about our services to book an appointment.
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