Did you know that conventional tanked water heaters are no longer the only option for your home? Tankless models are available and may better suit your home water heating needs.
Here at Mr. Plumber, we dedicate our time to helping you figure out the best option for your home. Read on to learn the differences between tanked and tankless models, and our team will handle the installation!
How They Work
As the name suggests, storage tank water heaters store hot water in a tank large enough to hold anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons. They use natural gas, fuel oil, propane or electricity to ensure a heated water supply at all times.
Tankless, also known as on-demand water heaters, do not utilize a tank. Instead, they use a heat exchanger to heat the water as it passes through. They, too, may run on electricity, natural gas or propane but not fuel oil.
How To Choose?
There are many characteristics to factor in when deciding between a tanked and tankless water heater.
Tanked Water Heaters
Due to the nature of tanked water heaters, they require a large space to operate in. Sitting at 5 feet or taller and 2 feet wide or wider, tanks can definitely be hard to store. Their size shouldn’t pose an issue if you have a basement. However, most homes in Texas do not have basements, so water heater storage is something to think about.
Conventional storage water heaters do tend to cost less than tankless models. In addition, they’re also cheaper to maintain and repair. Though less expensive up-front, these water heaters rack up your utility costs.
Tankless Water Heaters
Since tankless water heaters do not utilize a large tank to store hot water, it is a fraction of the size of their tanked counterparts. The average unit is about 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. They also mount on the wall, saving you space if you have a smaller home or no basement.
Although tankless units are more expensive to install, they reduce your electricity usage and running costs over time. They are significantly more energy-efficient and cost-effective due to their ability to heat water on demand as opposed to continuously heating water whether you need it or not.
Making The Switch
Another critical factor to keep in mind when deciding to make the switch is the replacement process. Switching out a standard tank water heater for a tankless version is no easy feat! The process requires a plumbing retrofit, and you may have to upgrade your gas lines or electric service to increase the capacity to power it.
For gas tankless models, you may need a larger pipe to connect the water heater to the gas meter to accommodate varying gas supply and venting requirements. As for electric tankless models, they can draw anywhere from 120 to 160 amps. Therefore, you should upgrade your electrical service to 200 amps or more.
Contact Us For San Antonio Water Heater Replacement
Mr. Plumber has served Texas homeowners for over 40 years, and we take pride in it. If you’re in the greater San Antonio area, contact us today and let our team handle all your water heater installation needs!
