If you need a new water heater, you are faced with a decision that you'll have to live with for more than a decade. For this reason, it's beneficial to familiarize yourself with your options before making a purchase. Broadly speaking, there are two main types of water heaters available. One is the traditional storage tank version found in most homes. The other is a tankless water heater, which you may not be familiar with.

A History of Storage Tank Water Heaters

Storage tank water heaters are common in the US and have been around a long time. The first commercially available storage tank water heater went on sale in 1889 and was invented by Edwin Ruud. His company, which shares his name, is still in existence. Ruud's original design hasn't changed very much since its debut. It featured a similar design to what we use today, with a storage tank, heating element, and thermostat. Today, you can find storage tank water heaters in various capacities, powered by either natural gas or electricity.

The Pros and Cons of Storage Tank Water Heaters

Storage tank water heaters are by far the most popular choice of water heaters in the US. One of the reasons for that is they're relatively inexpensive. As a result, countless manufacturers began producing them. As supplies rose, prices fell. Depending on your desired capacity, complexity, and efficiency, you can find models ranging from as little as $600 to as much as $2,500. For their price, you can expect a storage tank water heater to last for approximately 10 to 15 years. Storage tank heaters require minimal maintenance during their lifetime. Annual flushes and inspections are essential tasks for our team to perform. Another benefit of storage tank water heaters is that they're reasonably energy efficient. Storage tank heaters do have some disadvantages, however. One is that they have limited capacity. When you use up all the hot water stored in the tank, you must wait for the tank to recover. To get around that, you can install a tank with a larger storage capacity. However, that means sacrificing more space and using even more energy to keep stored water hot. The need to periodically reheat stored water is also somewhat disadvantageous. If you don't use hot water frequently, it means you're wasting additional energy with your tank on standby. Perhaps the most significant disadvantage of storage tank water heaters is that a leak can result in extensive damage. With gallons of water inside, a ruptured tank can cause severe destruction to the surrounding area, including mold growth.

A History of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular in the US. Early designs weren't very energy-efficient, so they saw little use. As the years passed, however, advances in design and materials helped tankless heaters become more efficient. By the 1970s, tankless water heaters had become a viable alternative to traditional storage tanks. Unfortunately, they didn't gain much traction in the US. They did, however, gain popularity in Europe and Japan, where they remain common today.

The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater uses a high-powered heating element to produce hot water on demand. The main advantage of this mode of operation is that it provides an endless stream of hot water when needed. Additionally, the absence of a storage tank means tankless heaters occupy very little space. Even the largest models are only about 30 inches tall, 25 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. It's also worth noting that tankless water heaters have a lifespan that's often twice that of a storage tank. They can last 25 years or more with proper maintenance. Additionally, modern tankless water heaters are far more energy-efficient than storage tanks. According to the Department of Energy, they can save up to 34% on operating costs in low-usage situations. That's primarily due to the elimination of the standby losses mentioned earlier. Tankless water heaters also pose a significantly lower risk of flooding if they fail. For all their advantages, however, tankless water heaters aren't perfect. Limited flow rates are one of their drawbacks. If you use hot water in multiple locations simultaneously, you will need a larger heater to supply it. Or you may need multiple tankless heaters working together. That can exacerbate another disadvantage of tankless water heaters: their high cost. They can cost two to three times as much as a comparable storage tank.

Choosing Between a Storage Tank and a Tankless Water Heater

Now that you have a better understanding of your options, it's time to weigh them. As you do, your decision will likely revolve around the following considerations.

Your Budget

If you have a limited budget, a storage tank water heater is likely the best option. That's especially true if you're replacing an existing storage tank. This will limit necessary modifications to your plumbing as well as the cost of the heater. However, if you're willing to pay more upfront, a tankless water heater may more than pay for itself thanks to energy savings over its lifetime.

Your Water Usage Pattern

If you frequently use high volumes of hot water or need hot water in multiple locations simultaneously, a storage tank is your best option. They're available in capacities of up to 120 gallons. However, if you love having the luxury of an endless hot water supply and aren't worried about flow rate limitations, a tankless system is the way to go.

Space Considerations

If you're suffering from a lack of floor space for your water heater, a tankless model can be a big help. Storage tank heaters occupy a considerable amount of space. Most models are between 50 and 70 inches tall and have a diameter between 20 and 30 inches. Switching to a tankless water heater can free up that space for better use as a small unit installs on the wall.

Your Trusted Local Water Heater Expert

Whether you want a traditional or tankless water heater in Port St. Lucie, FL, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® is the place to turn. Our plumbers have industry-leading training and extensive on-the-job experience. We can handle your water heater installation quickly and with minimal disruption. Plus, we won't waste your time, either. If our plumber arrives late to your installation appointment, we'll pay you $5 for every minute, up to an hour. That's just one of the reasons we have such a long list of five-star customer reviews. We are Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating, too. So, if you need a new water heater installed in Port St. Lucie, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® today!