Tankless water heater vs storage tank water heater:
Traditional storage tank water heaters continue to hold the majority share in the U.S., but tankless water heaters are gaining traction, driven by the increasing recognition of energy efficiency and sustainability. Unlike storage tanks, tankless units don’t store preheated water; instead, they heat water on-demand as it flows through, resulting in energy savings in two significant ways: by eliminating the need to heat water that goes unused and by preventing “standby heat loss.” Tankless heaters take around 15 seconds to deliver hot water compared to the immediate delivery from fully heated storage tanks. These compact tankless models can be wall-mounted, making efficient use of space. However, it’s essential to note that power outages can result in a lack of hot water for tankless systems.
Tankless water heaters boost energy efficiency by 8% to 34% compared to storage tanks, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). While up-front costs are comparable, installation may be pricier for tankless systems. However, the reduced energy use leads to long-term cost savings on utility bills. Tankless heaters also tend to outlast storage tanks by more than a decade.
In a landscape shifting towards energy efficiency and convenience, tankless water heaters offer benefits worth considering.
