A water heater is said to be a long-term investment. Regardless of its price and energy consumption, every American household needs it at some point.
Because there are so many options available, finding the best water heaters Chula Vista can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t need to be that tough, right?
In this post, we will talk about the two most common types of water heaters available in Chula Vista – storage tank water heaters and tankless water heaters.
After reading this post, you will have a clear idea of how exactly these water heaters work and which one is the right option for you.
Storage Tank Water Heaters
The storage tank heaters, as its name suggests, are heaters that come with a water storage tank.
The water heater stores water until you need it. The storage capacity typically ranges between 20 and 80 gallons.
The storage tank is filled and heated in a reservoir with the help of a heating source (gas/electricity). When you turn your tap on, the hot water is released from the top and the cold water is refilled from the bottom.
Pros
- Low installation cost
- Easy installation
- Unlimited hot water supply
Cons
- Inefficient in terms of energy efficiency
- Standby heat loss problems
- Expensive to operate and maintain
- Short lifespan
Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater is also called an on-demand heater. These heaters only heat water for you when you turn them on. While electricity-powered water heaters are most common, you can also find gas or propane-fueled water heaters in the market.
Tankless water heaters are more efficient because there is no standby heat loss like storage tank heaters. But yes, you cannot enjoy an unlimited hot water supply when you opt for these types of heaters.
Pros
- Saves money over time
- More energy-efficient
- Long-lasting
- Consumes less space
- Heat water instantly
Cons
- Tankless water heaters are expensive
- The installation can cost you a lot, especially if you’re replacing your storage tank heater with a tankless water heater
- Limited capacity
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters – Which is Better?
Convenience
Many households run out of hot water even before their needs are fulfilled. A standard storage tank heater can reserve a certain quantity of water. That means you have to allow your unit time to refill and heat water for you.
Tankless water heaters can reserve a limited amount of water. But they can heat up to 2-3 gallons of water per minute.
If you have a big family, it is definitely better to opt for a tankless heater option, as it will enable you to have hot water whenever you need it.
Energy Usage
Speaking of energy usage…
A conventional water heater will refill and store water continuously. It exhausts energy and gulps most of your household budget. Because tankless water heaters heat up water on demand, you can save a lot on your monthly utility bills.
Cost
While traditional water heaters cost less at the time of purchase, the money you need to spend on the maintenance will add up to the cost. Also, storage tank water heaters have a short unit life as compared with tankless water heater options. That means you may have to replace your unit after some time when you invest in a storage tank water heater for your home.
Installation and Maintenance
Tankless water heaters are expensive to install. It can cost you anywhere between $1000 and $7000 to install a tankless water heater.
The average installation price to install a storage tank heater can range between $300 and $1000.
Because traditional heaters aren’t too complicated to install, many people also take a DIY route and install their heaters themselves. But you’ll have to hire a professional for tankless water heaters as they are more complex to install.
Performance
If you know your hot water needs and choose a storage tank heater with an accurate capacity, you’ll never run out of hot water.
But if you’re unsure, it is better to stick to the tankless option as they heat water in a flash and are long-lasting. Also, they cost less over time.
Which is Better?
Well, it depends. If you have a limited budget and you know your exact hot water needs, you can go with storage water heaters. But if money isn’t an issue and you’re looking to invest in a long-term water heating solution, then a tankless water heater can be your safest bid.
