The 411 on Tank Vs. Tankless Water Heaters in Bradenton, FL

Did you know that water heaters account for around 14% of household energy bills in Bradenton, Florida? A new water installation can let you hold onto more of your hard-earned dollars. If you’re ready for a money-saving upgrade, here’s what you need to know about deciding between a traditional tank versus a tankless water heater.

Know Your Hot Water Needs

Every type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. The amount of water you use daily impacts each system’s cost and efficiency. Before you start making comparisons between tank and tankless, look at your water usage. Know how much hot water you and your family use every day. Here’s a sample of how many gallons different activities typically use.

• Running the washer consumes around 25 gallons of water.
• The average shower uses approximately 10 gallons of water.
• Around 2 gallons of water flow through a faucet every minute.

Dueling Technologies

Conventional tank heaters and tankless models both produce hot water. It’s the way they do it that differentiates one from the other. Most people are familiar with how traditional water heaters work: they use electricity or gas to keep a tank of water hot 24/7, so it’s always ready for use.

In contrast, tankless models produce hot water on demand. Whenever the hot water faucet turns on, the system’s heat exchanger gets to work, quickly heating the water and sending it wherever you need it. Flow rates are surprisingly fast, around 2-5 gallons per minute. Although they produce a limited amount of water, they never run out of it.

Energy Efficiency Comparisons

Size, fuel source, service life — multiple factors affect the efficiency of a water heater. Nevertheless, if your household uses less than 41 gallons of water each day, tankless systems win the day. They’re as much as 34% more energy-efficient than standard tank heaters. Here’s the 411 on what makes tankless systems so efficient.

• Traditional storage tanks waste energy keeping the water hot around the clock. Tankless models produce water only when you need it.
• Tankless models typically last 20 years, which is about twice the amount of time as storage tank water heaters. Who can argue with that fact?
• Continual heating takes a toll on conventional systems, making them vulnerable to more repairs than their tankless counterparts.

Size Matters

The downside of tankless heaters is that they can’t generate large amounts of water at one time. That can be problematic for larger households that need to use more H20. Are you accustomed to running the dishwasher or clothes washer while your kids take turns bathing? If so, a traditional tank heater might be a better idea. Another popular option is to install two or more tankless water heaters. Even if you use up to 86 gallons of water daily, tankless systems are still up to 14% more energy efficient than storage tank systems.

Upfront Cost Versus Energy Savings

Several factors affect the upfront cost of your new water heater, including the system’s energy efficiency. The less energy the water heater consumes, the higher the price tag. The good news is that highly efficient systems are more likely to decrease energy bills over time.

The system’s size or capacity also impacts the cost. The more water you use, the more you’ll pay at the outset. The fuel source matters too. Gas heaters generally cost more upfront but save you money over the long run due to increased efficiency.

A new energy-efficient water heater offers opportunities to conserve energy and keep more money in your pocket. The licensed plumbers at Climate Design are available to help you determine which system will best fit your household needs. To learn more, schedule a water heater installation appointment, or give us a call. We’ll walk you through the entire process, answer all of your questions, and earn your lifetime trust.

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