Most homes in Nashua, NH rely on storage tank water heaters. They’re the most popular option in the majority of the United States. However, they’re not the only option. Tankless water heaters offer various advantages for homeowners who switch to them. But they’re not a perfect solution for every home. Here’s what you need to know to choose between a storage tank and a tankless water heater.
The Advantages of Storage Tank Water Heaters
It isn’t an accident that storage tank water heaters are as popular as they are. They’re a reliable hot water solution and have been since the 1940s. That’s when most homes began installing hot water systems. In the intervening years, storage tank heaters have only grown more appealing. For one thing, the widespread acceptance of storage tank heaters has driven their price down over the years. Today, you can purchase one for as little as $600, although prices vary by manufacturer and capacity.
Another advantage of storage tank water heaters is reliability. Today’s models are mechanically simple and don’t malfunction often. As a result, many homeowners have water heaters that last for 15 years or more without needing repair. And when repairs are necessary, they’re typically not costly. Most average storage tank heater components are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace.
A properly sized storage tank water heater should also offer ample hot water for your home. The days when owners of storage tanks complained of unexpected cold showers are long over. Today’s models heat water quickly and offer high flow rates. So, they also won’t limit the number of hot water taps you can open at once.
The Disadvantages of Storage Tank Water Heaters
If storage tank water heaters were a perfect solution, no manufacturer would waste time designing alternatives. One of their most significant drawbacks is that they waste energy. A storage tank heater works by preheating water and waiting for you to need it. In the meantime, standby losses force the system to reheat the same water again and again. If you have an oversized water heater, it will magnify those losses because you never fully use its capacity.
By nature, storage tanks also take up large quantities of space. If you live in a smaller home, that can be a significant inconvenience. Even if you don’t, you’ll still need to set aside floor space you could otherwise use to accommodate the heater.
Another disadvantage of storage tank water heaters is that they can fail in catastrophic ways. The forces of pressure and heat the tank must withstand can lead to leaks. Older models could even explode during a tank rupture. Today’s models, however, have pressure relief valves to prevent that. But when those open, they can unleash a torrent of water onto your floor.
The Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
Although less common, tankless water heaters have plenty going for them. For one thing, they’re far more efficient than storage tank heaters. Tankless systems detect when you call for hot water and turn on to provide it on the fly. That avoids standby losses and saves significant energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a tankless unit can save the average home up to 34% on water heating costs.
Tankless water heaters also produce an endless supply of hot water. They make it so you can shower for as long as you like. You also never need to wait to replenish your hot water supply after heavy use. On top of that, tankless heaters have much longer useful lives. It’s common for tankless systems to last up to 30 years. If your home has hard water, have a water softener installed for maximum heater longevity.
A tankless water heater is also far smaller than a storage tank. Even a large model should be no more than 30 inches by 25 inches. Gas-fired versions require venting to the outdoors, but electric models don’t. So, you can install a tankless heater almost anywhere in your house. And you don’t need to sacrifice any floor space to do it.
The Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
One of the significant disadvantages of tankless water heaters is their limited flow rates. Even large models max out at about 5 gallons per minute. So, although you get endless hot water, you can’t use it in too many locations at once. That forces some high-demand households to install multiple heaters to meet their needs.
Tankless systems will also cost you more than storage tank alternatives. The average cost of one is over $2,500. And if you need more than one, your up-front costs will escalate quickly. You will also need to consider installation costs. If you are switching from a storage tank, your home may require some plumbing modifications. That can raise your up-front costs even higher.
Finally, there’s also an issue that homeowners call a “cold water sandwich.” That refers to the lag time between when you call for hot water and when your tankless gets up to speed. It shows up when you open up a hot water tap. First, you get the residual warm water left in your plumbing, followed by a burst of cold as your tankless activates. You get the expected hot water once your tankless reaches its operating temperature. It’s a phenomenon that takes a bit of getting used to if you’ve always had a storage tank heater.
Making Your Choice
Deciding which type of water heater to install in your home comes down to several factors. The first is your home’s hot water demand. A tankless heater is a good choice if your home uses 41 or fewer gallons of hot water daily. In those situations, you would achieve maximum energy savings with one appliance. However, a storage tank is your best bet if you typically use hot water in multiple locations simultaneously. Achieving high total flow rates with tankless heaters means spending more for numerous units. You may also wish to stick with a storage tank if your home already has one. That would avoid the need to modify your house’s plumbing and keep your overall costs low. However, if your home’s space is at a premium, bearing the costs of a tankless system makes more sense.
Trusted Water Heater Experts
Since 1995, Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. has been a leader in water heating solutions for homes in Nashua. Whether you want a storage tank heater or a tankless water heater, we’re the place to call. We also offer complete HVAC services, indoor air quality solutions, and oil-to-gas conversions. Plus, we provide new construction and commercial HVAC services. You’d struggle to find a service provider with more accolades than us. We’re a multiyear recipient of the Lennox Circle of Excellence Award, and we have received the Best of Greater Nashua award. We have a lengthy list of five-star reviews from our satisfied customers.
So, if you need a water heater in Nashua, contact our experts at Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. now!
