Water Heaters – To Tank or Not to Tank

Mac Plumbing wants you to be informed about the newest trend in water heaters

When is the last time you’ve thought about your water heater? Water heaters go unnoticed for years unless you start running out of hot water during your morning shower. Here are some interesting facts about water heaters and how they can affect your utility bills.

  • Believe it or not, the average household devotes more than a quarter of its total annual spending to the water heater alone.

This means that your water heater is more expensive to run than any other home appliance. Only heating and cooling cost more.

If you’ve had the same water heater for a decade, you’re probably spending more than necessary for essential daily tasks like bathing, laundry, and dishwashing.

The good news is that water heater manufacturers now offer a range of more energy-efficient products. But when it’s time to replace, which water heater do you choose?

According to Daniel O’Brian, a technical specialist with Supplyhouse.com, “traditional tank-style water heaters are far and away the most commonly used.” Tank water heaters are uncomplicated, unfussy and deeply familiar to installers and maintenance specialists. And also because the tried-and-true technology has reliably served generations of homeowners.

  • What about these new “Tankless Water Heaters”?

Tankless water heaters have been popular for many years, especially in Europe and Asia. In the United States, they have only caught on relatively recently.

Dramatically smaller than tank water heaters, they are small enough to mount on the wall.

With a tank water heater, they operate around the clock, whether you need hot water or not. When the water in the tank cools down, the appliance reheats the same water, wasting energy in the process.

With a tankless water heater, cold water enters the tankless unit then exits a split second later, fully heated to the target temperature.

Although the tankless water heater is initially more expensive and costs more to install, the savings over the years and the satisfaction of always having hot water makes it a popular choice.

If you’re in the market for a water heater replacement, check with Mac Plumbing and let one of our experts help you with your decision to tank or not to tank. Contact Mac Plumbing or call us at (931) 552-5555.