You want to save some money on your energy bills, but how exactly can you lower them? One way to do this would be switching from a tank water heater to a tankless hot water heater. What is the difference between these two options, and which one could be better suited for your home?
Tank water heaters usually need regular refills, even though they don’t heat water directly.
Tankless water heaters only require power for cold water during times of low demand, meaning less electricity is consumed overall. This makes them much cheaper to operate over time.
If you’re looking into getting a new hot water heater or are just curious about what makes these different types of units tick keep reading below for more information!
How Do Tankless Units Work?
It’s important to know that not all tankless systems are created equal. Some work differently than others, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with each type before making any purchasing decisions.
For example, an electric tankless unit works by using a pump to circulate heated water through an internal coil in order to heat up tap water as quickly as possible without actually having to rely on traditional storage tanks — instead of storing the water at a certain temperature until called upon, the heat stored within the coils is released into the surrounding environment immediately when needed.
This means that while those who use conventional tank-style water heaters will have to wait for their supply to cool down after being emptied, the hot water coming from an electric model will never get too warm because the water is always circulating and cooling off as soon as it reaches its maximum capacity.
This type of installation also offers other benefits such as fewer repairs, reduced noise levels, and ease of operation. On top of that, many of today’s electric tankless models are equipped with unique features like digital thermostats, safety shutoffs (to prevent accidental overheating), and automatic defrosting cycles to ensure that users won’t ever experience frozen pipes again.
Pros:
• Faster Heat Output
One of the main reasons why people choose electric tankless hot water heaters is because they tend to provide a faster heat output than conventional gas models. In fact, many electric units can produce water temperatures as high as 200°F in under 5 minutes!
• No Refilling Required
With a tankless model, there’s no need to regularly refill water reservoirs, saving homeowners precious time and hassle.
Cons:
• Requires Electricity
While electric tankless systems are efficient and effective, they still require electricity to run properly. As such, if you’re planning to install the one you’ll need to make sure to contact a licensed electrical contractor to complete the job.
• Can Be More Expensive
Compared to tank-based models, electric tankless units are often more expensive. However, newer technologies have made the price gap smaller over time, and many units come with warranties that extend well beyond a standard tank-based warranty.
• May Require Professional Installation
Electric tankless systems aren’t necessarily easy to install on your own; however, some manufacturers offer DIY kits that include everything necessary for a quick and simple installation process.
Gas Hot Water Heaters
In addition to being able to heat both hot and cold water simultaneously, gas hot water heaters offer another major advantage over electric units: their ability to be adjusted according to user needs.
When compared to electric models, gas hot water system heat pumps allow owners to increase or decrease the amount of heat delivered based on how frequently they plan to use hot water, thereby saving money every month without compromising the quality of the water.
As mentioned earlier, this kind of installation is not only cost-effective but also provides several additional benefits including reduced energy consumption, improved comfort, lower operating costs, easier servicing, and greater flexibility.
However, since these devices work differently than electric ones, they require different types of expertise and knowledge. For instance, gas hot water heat exchangers are typically installed in outdoor locations, and therefore, they must be sealed against moisture and weather elements to prevent damage.
As such, qualified professionals should handle any related installations since improper care may lead to leaks and other problems.
On top of that, most gas heating systems operate best when used in tandem with a proper ventilation system so that carbon dioxide emissions don’t build up in the home.
How Do I Know If It’s Time to Call an Expert?
The best way to know if it is time to call an expert or licensed gas fitter is when all attempts at fixing the problem fail, and you see a steady flow of excessive carbon monoxide leak into your home. This could mean that there is a broken part inside the unit causing it to release too much gas leak that needs an immediate gas heater repair.
It is highly recommended to call for a gas heater service and repair to have regular maintenance and a carbon monoxide test on all your gas appliances especially if you smell gas in your kitchen or other parts of the house.
