Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Here is a quick and simple comparison between tank and  from Incredible Renovations

The Good

• Tankless water heaters are about 10 to 20% more energy efficient than traditional tank water heaters.
• Tankless water heaters can take up less space than tank water heaters.
• Tankless water heaters typically outlast tank water heaters.
• Tankless water heaters don`t use energy until hot water is being used.

The Bad

• Tankless water heaters cost roughly two to three times more than tank water heaters.
• Due to the initial high cost of buying a tankless water heater, it could take about 20 years in order to start saving money when switching from a tank water heater. By then, the heater will need replacing.
• Tankless water heaters work best when only one water tap is using hot water.
• If water taps are far apart from each other, it is recommended to buy another tankless water heater.
• Water does not instantly heat up when using a tankless water heater, but does with a tank heater.
• With tankless water heaters, water may not heat up if water is only trickling out of the tap.
• Tankless water heaters require yearly maintenance in order to remain efficient.

Sources:

http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/green_home_guide_final.pdf

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/water-heaters/tankless-water-heaters/overview/tankless-water-heaters-ov.htm

http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2011/02/tankless-water-heaters/

For more information:  www.incrediblerenovations.com