Tank vs. Tankless | Tankless Water Heaters Arlington

In today’s market, driven by energy efficiency and the goal to reduce a product’s environmental impact, one clear contender that is certain to maintain a position for decades to come is the tankless water heater. Water heaters are the second highest consumer of energy, right under the HVAC system. Water heaters consume up to 25% of a home’s annual energy use, and improving their energy efficiency is a logical choice. For homeowners, tankless water heaters in Arlington may provide the solution you need. If you are debating between a tank vs. tankless water heater, the following information may assist you.

The tank vs. tankless debate continues, with those who love them, and those who do not. Unfortunately, improper installation and sizing can result in dissatisfaction by consumers and accounts for a number of those who are dissatisfied. For example, water use habits can directly affect the tankless water heaters performance, efficiency, longevity, and a consumer’s satisfaction. These habits should be part of the proper assessment of a household’s qualification for the use of tankless water heaters in Arlington. This highlights the importance of using a skilled, qualified plumber for assistance in selection and installation.

The tankless isn’t for every household, and a Benjamin Franklin plumber will provide an educated and objective review of your water use, in order to help you decide upon the appropriate water heater that will adequately provide for your hot water needs.

It is simply the natural progress of technology that a great product can always be improved. That is specifically what is ongoing with tankless water heaters today, as efficiency and performance continue to improve.

Tank Vs. Tankless Water Heaters in Arlington

Conventional (Tank) Style Water Heaters

Pros:

• Lower initial cost on average water heater.
• Easiest installation.
• Some models don’t require electricity to operate.
• Models are available for almost any type of fuel.
• Can be used with recirculating systems.

Cons:

• Standby heat loss increases energy costs substantially.
• Can run out of hot water, and long recovery time.
• Tanks are large and heavy, requiring a substantial space for location.
• Higher life-cycle costs.
• Reduced life span of 7-15 years, dependent upon water chemistry, maintenance and other factors involved.

Tankless Water Heaters in Arlington

Pros:

• Lower life-cycle costs.
• Endless hot water is provided.
• Runs only when needed, saves energy by eliminating standby heat loss.
• Small and space saving.
• A point-of-use tankless water heater eliminates the long wait for hot water in the taps distantly located from the primary hot water heater.
• Longer life span of approximately 20 years when properly maintained. Water chemistry and other factors can affect their longevity if improperly sized, installed or if the appliance does not receive proper maintenance.

Cons:

• Higher up-front costs than a typical conventional water heater.
• Complicated installation requiring a trained and qualified installer; larger fuel lines are often required.
• Electricity required for most models to operate, even gas models.
• Untreated water can lead to scaling and reduce or halt flow if not properly maintained. The installation of a water softener can protect your tankless water heaters in Arlington.
• Minimum hot-water flow is required.
• Recirculation is more difficult.
• Poor installation can affect efficiency and performance.
• Household habits can cause “cold water sandwiches”.
• Incoming water temperature can affect efficiency.

The Differences

A conventional water heater stores and preheats water in a tank. When preheated water is used, the tank then refills to be reheated once again. The water heater maintains the water in the tank at a specified temperature until used, when the cycle begins again.

A tankless water heater uses a heat source (electric or gas) to warm up the incoming cool water whenever you need it rather than storing hot water in a tank. Small tanks are beginning to debut into tankless technology, resolving many of the issues that can potentially be experienced, especially in households with simultaneous users of hot water. While partial energy efficiency can be lost in hybrid tankless water heaters, they remain more energy efficient than conventional water heaters.

When you are considering a tankless model, a Benjamin Franklin plumber can assist you in the decision of whether a tankless water heaters in Arlington will benefit your household.

Benjamin Franklin’s dedicated and licensed plumbers provide water heater repair, service and water heater installation, as well as other plumbing services for your plumbing needs.

When you’re in need of water heater installation, our plumbers can assist you in selecting a water heater. The expertise of a Benjamin Franklin plumber assures that you will receive a water heater accurately sized for your home, and the professional grade installation required for either conventional water heaters or tankless water heaters in Arlington. We hope the tank vs. tankless guide assisted you in your decision. Contact us today for prompt, efficient service. We serve Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.