Trying to choose between a conventional water heater with a storage tank and a tankless water heater is something most homeowners face at some point. After all, water heaters are the gold standard for a dependable source of hot water. And since your plumbing fixtures and home appliances depend on this hot water, it’s always important to consider all your options carefully.

This practical guide from the local experts at Desert Husky HVAC/R Services breaks down tank and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn more about the distinct elements in their design along with some advantages and disadvantages of each model. These key details will ensure you can make an informed choice based on your home's hot water needs. Once you’ve decided, give us a call for professional tank water heater installation.

Conventional Storage Tank Water Heaters: The Reliable Choice

Let's examine conventional storage tank water heaters first. That large storage tank is the standout feature here, holding onto an ample supply of water that’s continually heated. As soon as you need hot water, a tank water heater is ready to supply it.

Pros:

  • Budget-Friendly Installation: Tank water heaters generally have lower up-front installation costs, thanks to their simpler design.
  • Streamlined Maintenance Needs: A streamlined design also means less potential maintenance needs.

Cons:

  • Nonstop Heating: Tank water heaters must keep water continuously heated, which inevitably leads to extra cost if you’re not constantly using that water.
  • Space Requirements: The tank itself could become a problem in tight quarters. If the property is missing a basement or utility closet, installation becomes a bit trickier.

Tankless Water Heaters: Efficient and Innovative

Now, let's check out tankless water heaters, an innovative alternative that’s comparatively recent. Distinct from tank models, tankless water heaters operate on-demand. They’re generating hot water only when requested, thanks to robust heating elements as the water flows through the system.

Pros:

  • Less Energy Used: Tankless models are much more energy efficient since they’re not operating nonstop.
  • A Smart, Resilient Design: With routine maintenance from a certified expert, tankless water heaters can offer a longer life span.

Cons:

  • Larger Initial Investment: Initial installation costs are higher as a result of the more sophisticated design.
  • Higher Service Needs: Tankless models do best when provided more periodic maintenance to keep their vital components in sync.
  • Potential Need to Update Plumbing Infrastructure Updates: Older homes aren’t always equipped for a tankless water heater. Plumbers can modify your plumbing to accommodate one, but it might complicate your installation project.

Deciding on Your Ideal Water Heater: Every Home Has Unique Needs

In general, we’d recommend the higher energy efficiency that tankless water heaters are capable of. But this is based on aspects including how much hot water you go through every day. You’ll want to think about your specific hot water needs before you make your decision.

  1. Your Home’s Usual Hot Water Requirements: Gauge how much hot water your household consumes on average. As an example, larger families who are active in sports or have pets usually need much more hot water than a single person living alone.
  2. Space for Installation: The layout of your home can impact how efficient a water heater operates. Consider all possible installation locations and confirm with professionals if your model is the right fit.
  3. Local Climate: Long winters mean a water heater that works harder. This is more noticeable with tankless models, which are better in situations when there won’t be any large fluctuations in water usage.
  4. Utility Costs: Your community’s fuel or electricity costs can make one option more enticing over the other.

Don’t forget, a trained professional like those at Desert Husky HVAC/R Services can help you in making a more informed decision. They understand which makes and models meet your specific needs before facilitating a smoother installation process.

Why Not Call Desert Husky HVAC/R Services?

If you're considering a switch to a tankless water heater in Tucson, why not call Desert Husky HVAC/R Services for a complimentary quote? Our expert plumbing technicians can provide the peace of mind that you’ll always have all the hot water you need. Call today at 520-416-5415.