Tankless Water Heater Vs. Tank: Pros and Cons for Choosing the Right System
If you’re in the market for a new home water heating setup, Flow Right has all the details on tankless water heater vs. tank, pros and cons for choosing the right system and options for combination systems. This helpful guide breaks down the most desirable features in a home water heater and explores the differences between the two most popular solutions.
What to Look for in a Hot Water Heater
Do you know what to look for when choosing a hot water heater? Before you decide between a tank or tankless system, it helps to determine your priorities. Here are the top features to consider when choosing a hot water heater.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficient water heaters are built to use resources effectively and reduce your impact on the environment. Not only that, it’s good for your wallet, too. Selecting a water heater with an energy savings rating can save you money year after on your energy bills.
Cost
Most people don’t replace their hot water heater until there’s an emergency. That type of urgency can put you in a financial pinch. Even when your new water heater cost is a pre-planned purchase, savvy homeowners always search for the best deal that won’t sacrifice quality.
Safety
Homeowners who purchase a new water heater, be it tank or tankless, want to know that their families will be safe once it is installed. It is important to read reviews and research your manufacturer before purchasing. Due to the pressure tank systems are under, it is particularly important that homeowners do their research or ask the advice of a trusted professional/water heater installer.
Convenience
Homeowners that need a large amount of hot water for daily use also take convenience into consideration when choosing a hot water heater. They can choose from a high-capacity tank system, point of use tankless water heater or a whole-home tankless system. The final choice depends on the other factors listed above.
Now that you know some of the key features to consider, we can break down the pros and cons of tankless water heater vs tank water heater counterparts.
Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons
A tankless water heater, also known as a demand-type water heater, provide near-instant hot water using heating elements contained in an enclosed unit. Instead of water being pumped through pipes from a storage tank, the elements super-heat the water as it passes through the unit before flowing through the faucet, into the dishwasher or into the washing machine. They can be installed as a point-of-use or whole-home system.
Pro: Tankless can be a single source large unit, individual units located at each hot water point, or a combination of the two.
Con: Purchasing units for each point of use can be a costly initial investment.
Pro: No waiting for hot water to flow through the house to the faucet, wasting time and water.
Con: Some tankless systems may not operate when there is no electricity.
Pro: Tankless heaters can last as long as 20 years.
Con: Homes with low flow rates in their water pressure may find their tankless systems do not heat adequately.
Pro: Tankless heaters provide near-instant hot water that does not run out because it heats it up at the source.
Con: Gas-powered systems with pilot lights may waste energy.
Pro: Tankless heaters are known to be more efficient in terms of fuel because there is no need to power it all day to maintain water temperature.
Con: Endless hot water can be costly if users do not monitor usage carefully. There’s no built-in governor (like an empty tank) to assist with preventing overuse.
Pro: Use hot water at multiple sources without having to wait for a refill. You can shower, finish a load of dishes and pop those whites into the washing machine and never run out of hot water.
Con: Tankless heaters require a much larger investment on the front end with savings gathered over time.
Tank Water Heater Pros and Cons
Storage tank water heaters are a single source of hot water stored in a tank and installed in a closet or basement. Propane, natural gas or electricity is used to keep the water hot day and night. The amount of hot water available depends on the size of the storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, hot water flows out of the tank to the location of the tap. When the hot water tank drops to a specified level, cold water fills the tank from your home’s make water line and the heating process begins.
Pro: Tank systems are more affordable than tankless water systems and most homes only need one.
Con: Tank heaters produce a finite amount of hot water and then must refill and re-heat.
Pro: Energy efficient systems save nearly as much money as tankless.
Con: Homeowners are limited to the hot water contained in the tank.
Pro: Larger tanks (40+ gallons) can usually manage the amount of hot water a family will use in a day.
Pro: There is no need for expansion tanks or recirculation pumps to use the system effectively.
Cons: Tank hot water heaters do carry a risk of explosion. While rare, an accident can cause serious damage.
Pro: Built-in “stress” valves can mitigate pressure that puts wear and tear on your pops and keep the water heater safe for use.
Cons: Sediment and other particles can build up in your water heater over time. The system needs to be flushed periodically to remove it.
Pros: A tank heater can provide a self-limiting system to save on water and energy. This is always a win for home with people notorious for taking long showers.
Tank vs. Tankless Hot Water Heater Comparison
| Tank Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater | |
| Instant hot water | ✓ | |
| Endless hot water | ✓ | |
| Single-source system | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works without electricity | ✓ | |
| Gas or electric | ✓ | ✓ |
| Low upfront cost | ✓ | |
| May require additional equipment | ✓ | |
| Easy to operate | ✓ | ✓ |
| Professional installation recommended | ✓ | ✓ |
A Quick Note About Boilers
There is an alternative to tank and tankless water heaters, but it isn’t as simple as popping in a new tank or adding a tankless unit. Boilers are an effective way to heat water while also heating your home. However, if your house does not already operate using a boiler, you may have to make extensive modifications to update your heating system. Learn more about boilers on our boiler information page.
Need Help Installing a New Hot Water Heater?
Flow Right’s skilled plumbers have extensive experience installing both tank and tankless hot water heaters in homes throughout Southern Colorado. Let us help you safely install your new hot water heater or tankless unit. Give us a call to discuss your needs today!