Tankless water heaters have gained tremendous popularity over the last few years, but being popular doesn’t mean a tankless water heater is the best fit for every home. If you’ve been engaging in the tank vs. tankless water heater debate around your Oradell home, the experts at BZ Dependable Plumbing & Heating, Inc., are here to help. Deciding which type of water heater for you will depend on some factors, but it’s always advisable to also work with an expert during the process of choosing. As such, if you are ready for a new water heater, call us today and schedule an appointment.
TANKLESS WATER HEATER
One of the most-oft asked questions about tankless water heaters is: how do they provide hot water without a tank? The answer is relatively simple: at the core of tankless water heaters is a heat exchanger. When you open a hot water tap, the cold water valve attached to your tankless heater also opens and cold water flows into the heat exchanger. Using natural gas or electricity, the heat exchanger warms up coils, then transfers this heat to the water. Once the water reaches the right temperature, it flows to your open hot water tap. While the process sounds involved, it really only takes a few second. One thing to keep in mind regarding tankless water heaters is that the initial costs are typically higher than those of a storage tank hot water heater.
BENEFITS OF TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
- Very energy efficient
- Provide endless hot water
- Have a long lifespan (about 20 years)
STORAGE TANK WATER HEATERS
Storage tank water heaters have been around for years and are usually what homeowners picture when the words “hot water heater” are uttered. Today’s tank water heaters are the most efficient they’ve ever been, and with new regulations coming into effect in April 2015, their energy efficiency is going to increase even more. Storage tank water heaters use gas or electricity to heat water; the hot water rises to the top of the tank for use while the cool water stays at the bottom. When hot water from the top is used, the burner cycles on and heats more water as needed. One of the drawbacks of storage tank water heaters is that they can lose energy through standby heat loss, something the new mandates are addressing.
BENEFITS OF TANK WATER HEATERS
- Lower initial costs
- Wide variety of sizes
- Easier to install
Still have questions about which type of water tank is best for your home in Oradell? Call the specialists at BZ Dependable Plumbing & Heating, Inc., today!