Hot water tanks provide your home with hot water to take showers, run laundry and do dishes. Hot water tanks are typically large and require a lot of space. The size of the tank and where it’s located varies for each individual home, but now there is a smaller version requiring less space so that you can place it anywhere.
But don’t get too excited. There are pros and cons to both the traditional hot water tanks and tankless water heaters. Our expert staff can help you assess which product is best for your individual needs. Before searching for “hot water heater repairs near me” or “best water heater for sale,” read this article to help you decide which water heater is the best for your home in Akron and Northeast Ohio. Here are some pros and cons to consider for water heater installation.
Traditional Hot Water Tanks
Most hot water tanks are 30 to 60 gallons, 50 gallons being the most popular. They are also known as hot water heaters and storage tank water heaters because they store hot water until it is needed. They use natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, or propane as a power source.
Affordability
Hot water heater installations have a lower initial cost than tankless versions. Purchasing the tank and having us install it could run you half as much as switching to a tankless heater.
Easier to Install
A tankless version may require extra plumbing or electrical work during the first install. Replacing a current water heater is a simple swap unless there are underlying problems.
Increased Utility Bill
Your monthly bill should decrease since you replaced an older water tank with a newer model, but your bill will be much higher compared to the tankless variety. The reason for this is the amount of water your tank heats at one time. The heating elements are on keeping the water hot even when you are asleep or away on vacation.
Hot Water Heater Repair Costs
Standard water heater repairs cost less than tankless water heaters. There shouldn’t be any problems with your water heater for 10 to 15 years, but things do happen. Storage water heaters are simple in design, and because of this, they are easier to repair or replace if necessary.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, or on-demand water heaters, use a heat exchanger to heat the water as it passes through it. That means water is only heated when it’s used, saving energy and money. These machines run on electricity, natural gas, or propane.
More Expensive to Install
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than their cousins, and a tankless water heater installation could run a pretty penny. The first consideration is the power source. Installing the unit may require additional piping, new gas lines, and possibly new electrical wiring. You may need to upgrade your circuit box to handle the extra load.
On-Demand Hot Water
If multiple people take showers back-to-back, it could be difficult for a standard water heater to keep up. Tankless water heaters can continuously supply hot water as needed.
Increased Efficiency
Since the heat exchanger only engages when there is a need for hot water, you reduce your power usage significantly, which also minimizes your utility bill.
Longevity
Tankless water heaters typically last for 20 years or more.
Reduced Space
An average storage water heater is approximately 5 feet tall and around 2 feet wide. Larger tanks of 55 plus gallons will be larger and take more space.
A whole-house mounted tankless water heater averages 2 feet tall and a little over a foot in width. Their smaller stature allows them to be placed almost anywhere, and they can be mounted on the wall.
Performance Comparison
Water heaters remain at a constant temperature throughout the year. If the water heater temperature is set to the standard 120° F, then you can count on the water coming out of your faucets and showerheads to be 120° F.
Tankless water heaters could be more of a problem during the winter months in Ohio. Gas tankless water heaters sustain the correct temperature throughout the years, but some electric models have problems warming the cooler water when it reaches below 58° F.
Talk to a Jennings Heating and Cooling professional before installing a tankless water heater in your home, so you know you’re getting the right model for your situation.
Best Water Heater Installation in Akron, OH and Northeast Ohio
Selecting and installing the right water heater or tankless water heater for your home is dependent on your family’s needs. The experts at Jennings Heating and Cooling are NATE-certified and understand each household’s personal needs. We will analyze your water usage and plumbing situation before installing the best water heater for your home in Akron and Northeast Ohio.
Water Heater Maintenance in Akron, OH
We also handle all maintenance and service for hot water heaters. If you need hot water heater maintenance or tankless water heater maintenance, there is no one better. Not only are we NATE-certified, but we also received the 2019 Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2019.
Looking for Water Heater Repair in Akron?
Jennings Heating and Cooling is the area’s number one water heater repair service. Whether you have a traditional hot water tank or tankless water heater, give us a call and a qualified professional technician will solve your problem!
