You may think your hot water heater is in perfect working order, but if it is out dated and overused, it is important to remember that water heaters don’t last for ever, and yours may be nearing it’s end. The best time to choose a new hot water heater is before you actually need one. If your water heater fails, the first step is to call your Florida plumber. A plumber will be able to help you decide whether you need water heater repair or new water heater installation. Here is a comparison of the two most common types of hot water heaters, tankless water heaters vs. storage water heaters.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters can be electric or gas and they use this to heat cold water as it passes through a box like unit.
- Pros: Tankless hot water heaters last about 20 years, which is longer than tank heaters. They are also a great because they can be mounted on walls saving you tons of space. Separate units can be installed near Jacuzzi tubs and other hot water usage areas for optimum performance and convenience.
- Cons: The flow rate of hot water can sometimes fall behind when being demanded in more than one place-the shower, dishwasher and washing machine all at once. Tankless hot water heaters also tend to be more expensive than storage water heaters.
Storage Water Heaters:
These are the most common type of water heater. Instead of heating the water as needed like tankless water heaters, storage water heaters hold a tank for hot water. As you use the hot water, a cold water line replenishes new water into the tank, which is then heated to a thermostat-controlled temperature.
- Pros: These water heaters last for 10-15 years and are fairly inexpensive. The tanks allow you to have hot water on demand and as much of it that is stored in the reservoir no matter where it’s being used.
- Cons: They are very large and take up a lot of room. They may last 10-15 years but usually won’t last as long as a tankless water heater. When hot water is not being drawn, storage water heaters are in “standby” mode, which constantly uses energy to avoid heat loss.
Replacing hot water heaters is not something homeowners should attempt to do on their own. If you find yourself in need of water heater replacement contact the expert plumbers at Drain Genie. As one of the leading plumbing contractors in all of central Florida, Drain Genie Plumbing repairs and installs high-quality electric and gas water heaters at discount prices. A water heater is an important appliance in every residence, and having the right one can mean the difference between living in a house or living in a home.
