What’s the Difference Between Tank, Tankless, Gas & Electric Water Heaters?
Hot water isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. That’s why businesses and homeowners need to find the right water heater for their needs. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming.
Here, the expert plumbers at T.E. Spall & Son provide comparisons of tank and tankless water heaters and tips on choosing between a gas or electric unit. With this knowledge, our customers can make an informed choice for their next water heater installation.
What Is a Tanked Water Heater?
A traditional tanked water heater stores a large volume of water at a desired temperature in an insulated tank that’s then tapped when you need hot water. When the tank is empty, it refills with cold water and uses gas or electricity to heat it.
Pros of Tanked Water Heaters
- Lower upfront cost
- More affordable installation
- A variety of tank sizes to meet different needs
Cons of Tanked Water Heaters
- Hot water will run out when the tank is empty
- Lower energy efficiency
- Large space required for installation
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand. When you turn on a hot water faucet, the water flows through the system’s heat exchanger, where it’s rapidly heated to provide hot water. These systems don’t store water in a tank and have a long lifespan of over 20 years.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
- Space-saving design
- Unlimited hot water supply
- Greater energy efficiency
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
- Higher upfront costs
- Water temperatures can fluctuate
Gas Water Heaters vs. Electric Water Heaters
When it comes to fuel used to power your water heater, gas and electric offer their own advantages. A gas system is often less expensive to operate than an electric system and will heat water faster. This makes it an excellent choice for larger homes with high hot water demands.
On the other hand, electric systems offer greater energy efficiency with lower upfront costs, making them ideal for smaller or more energy-conscious homes.
Which Type of Water Heater Is Right for You?
To choose the best water heater for your property, homeowners should consider:
- Household size: The size of your home will impact your water heater’s size or capacity, ultimately affecting the cost.
- Water demands: Tankless systems work best in homes where hot water is used intermittently. A tank system may be better if you use hot water in multiple places at once.
- Energy preferences: Homeowners looking for an energy-efficient water heater may choose an eco-friendly electric system.
- Budget: Customers should weigh the initial cost of installation with the long-term cost of operating the system.
- Space: If your garage or utility room doesn’t have a lot of space, you may want to consider a tankless model with a small footprint.
Still unsure which system is right for you? Consult our professional plumbers for help making an informed decision.
Choose T.E. Spall & Son for Your Water Heater Needs
Looking for superior water heater services in the Scranton area? Trust T.E. Spall & Son for expert installation, repair, and maintenance. With over 40 years of plumbing experience, we provide high-quality products and services backed by our customer satisfaction guarantee.
Our 3,200+ excellent reviews say it all — we’re the area’s top choice for plumbing services.
Contact T.E. Spall & Son today to schedule water heater services for your home or business.
