Water heaters are an essential component for any household, but which one is the right choice for your home? Before making a decision, it’s important to know what makes traditional tank and newer tankless water heaters unique. As you prepare to replace your water heater, consider the pros and cons of each model to decide which one is the best option for your property.

Pros and Cons of a Water Heater Tank

Though they share the same purpose, tank and tankless water heaters function differently. Storage tank water heaters are the most common thanks to their efficiency and life span, and they’re more common in American homes than tankless models.

Pro: Lower Costs

Storage tank water heaters are less expensive to install and maintain. This makes them a more economical option, especially for households that follow a strict budget. The lower cost of investment makes water heater tanks a cost-effective solution, though maintenance expenses should be considered when comparing models.

Pro: A Variety of Different Tank Sizes

With a storage tank water heater, you can choose from various tank sizes to suit your needs. The size of a water heater tank can range from 20 to 80 gallons, giving you the flexibility to tailor your water heater to your family’s lifestyle.

Pro: Multiple Fuel Sources

One of the greatest benefits of having a storage tank water heater is that it can operate with multiple fuel sources. These fuel sources include electricity, gas, and propane. No matter your home’s setup, a water heater can easily be incorporated into its design without significant remodeling.

Cons

The first drawback of traditional tank water heaters is the amount of space they require. Smaller homes are more likely to lose space accommodating a water heater, and many homeowners would like the additional space that their water heater takes up. The next disadvantage is a limited water supply. Even with an 80-gallon tank, it’s easy to consume the water supply quickly, especially if your family relies on multiple appliances such as the dishwasher and washing machine, on top of regular water usage.

Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters don’t store a set amount of water. Instead, they heat water on demand, and they’re mounted to the wall. They offer more space and energy efficiency than traditional water heaters, making them a popular choice in home renovations and modern developments.

Pro: Better Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters can help you reduce your energy usage by up to 30%. Less water consumption is better for the planet, plus it lowers your total cost of ownership.

Pro: Nearly Infinite Hot Water

One of the best advantages of tankless water heaters is that there’s virtually no limit to the hot water you have. You won’t have to worry about running out of water from a supply.

Cons

Though tankless water heaters are more versatile, they’re not without their faults. For starters, tankless water heaters typically have higher up-front costs due to their complex installation regardless of whether you choose the gas or electric variant. The next drawback is that the flow of your hot water can be limited if there are multiple appliances using it.

Choosing the Right Model for Your Property

You don’t have to find the right water heater model on your own. Reach out to Ace’s Plumbing to speak with a professional about finding the best water heaters in Hilton Head, SC.