Should You Go Tankless When Installing Your Next Hot Water Heater?
Has your old hot water heater reached the point where it needs to be replaced? If so, a common question that people have is if they should replace it with a standard hot water tank or a tankless model. Here is what you need to know about both options to make a more informed decision.
Traditional Hot Water Tank
Many people decide to replace a hot water tank with another hot water tank because it is the easiest option. The installation is going to be pretty straightforward, and you'll know exactly how the new hot water tank will perform. This is because the hot water tank can go in the same spot as the old one, and there are very few new pipes that need to be installed. If anything, the new hot water tank may be a bit shorter, meaning that extensions need to be added to gas and water lines to reach the new tank.
That said, a new hot water tank is going to have the same issues as the old one. You can run out of hot water if too many people are using hot water in your home, which may be an issue for big families. However, you can also use this as an opportunity to get a bigger hot water tank. It will cost more money to run the tank since you are constantly using energy to heat a larger tank, but it will get the job done.
You can also get a smart hot water tank that has features your old one did not have. These learn your schedule much like a smart thermostat, and can actually save money by not heating the water at times when you are not using it. They can also be programmed to work on a schedule so the adjustments happen automatically.
Tankless Hot Water Heater
The biggest barrier to entry with a tankless hot water heater will be the cost. Not only does a tankless model cost more money, but it costs more to install as well. The new unit will need to be installed in a new location, typically on a wall that is nearby. This requires some plumbing and gas line modifications to reach the new tankless hot water heater.
The installation can also become more expensive if you do not have the right size gas line going to your new unit. That's because tankless models require a larger gas line to accommodate the energy needs to heat water on demand. This can require running a whole new gas line to the water heater.
Once a tankless hot water heater is installed, you'll see many benefits that it can provide. Instant hot water that never runs out, energy savings, and a water heater that takes up less space in your home.
To learn more, contact a hot water tank installation contractor or plumber in your area.
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