You can get your pressurized hot water from either a tank or tankless water heater. There have always been a lot of debates about which water heater is the best between the two. Although both water heaters possesses great qualities that differentiate them from each other, the truth of the matter is that both of them are better and none of them has excessive qualities more than the other.
A tank hot water heater is an old model which has in the market for a long period. For a tankless model, it is a new product emerging and having great significance in the market today. As a result of this, it has become a task for us to look into the benefits and downside of having a tank or tankless hot water heater.
Tank Hot Water Heater
Tank hot water heater is also known as the traditional hot water heater tank or storage tank water heater. This model comes with a reservoir or tank that can store 30-50 gallons of hot water. It uses either natural gas or electricity as its source of energy.
Although natural gas used for heating tank water consumes less energy, it is more expensive than energy from electricity. Water from the tank is distributed by a pipe coming from the top of the tank to their places of need such as kitchen, bathrooms, etc. Examples of this product include Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater.
Advantages
1. Affordability
Most storage hot water tank comes in a slightly low price that makes it affordable for people in either the lower class or upper class. Also, it is the best choice for people who are on budget planning to spend less on water better. Most of these models come within the price range of $300-$700 which is against the price of a tankless water heater that has the price range of $2000 and above.
2. Easy to Maintain
These products do not come with a high level of technology or complicated features like the tankless water heater. With its heating elements and other minor body materials, you can clean it easily without much stress.
3. Efficiency
This model is known to be efficient has it provides hot water any time of demand. It is an ideal hot water heater for a family with a large population.
Disadvantages
1. High Energy consumption rate
Either using natural gas or electricity, this model consumes a lot of energy. Since this product reheat itself either when used or not, it tends to waste a lot of energy. In the USA, this product heating water accounts for not less than 20% domestic energy.
2. Large Size
Since this model is a traditional hot water heater, it comes in a big size. This size makes it less portable and also does not gives it a compact design. For its installation, it requires a large space for perfect fitting.
3. Installation
Users might find it a little bit difficult to put this product into action because of its complicated installation procedures. Most times, this model installation cost some out of money while replacing one with another.
4. Performance
One of the major downsides of this water heater is that it can run out of water anytime. Alongside this, this model does not cater for simultaneous bathing as another user have to wait for about 2 hours for the water in the tank to reheat.
5. Short-term Durability
For this product, it only performs for a short period. Even it’s designed begins to discolor a fade easily. That is why companies that produce this model gives it a limited lifetime warranty.
Tankless Water Heater
This is also known as on-demand or instantaneous water heater. It is a new model that is emerging in the industry today. It also uses either natural gas or electricity as its source of energy. Examples of this model include Rinnai RUC98iN Series Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater.
Advantages
1. Compact Design
This product comes in a small size and portable design that helps it fits perfectly into any space. Apart from this, it is also a lightweight model that can be moved from one place to another with ease.
2. Efficiency
This product produces adequate hot water needed at any time without consuming a large amount of energy. You can get within 2-3 gallons of water from it per minute. And also, it does not run out of hot water.
3. Long Term Durability
Unlike a tank water heater, this model tends to operate for an extended period. I hardly fade or discolor easily. It can operate up to 5 years without requiring any form of repair.
4. Installation
Having just a single part without a tank makes it not only makes installation procedures easy, but it is also cost saving.
Disadvantages
1. Expensive
Most tankless water heater cost between the range of $2000- and above. This price tag looks costly and may not be easily afforded by lower class citizens or people on a budget.
2. Not Easy to Maintain
Maintaining a tankless water heater is difficult and costly. This is because it features some technological materials which require extra efforts and cost in maintaining and keeping it for an extended period of it.