Which Type of Water Heater Should You Install – Tank or Tankless?
When it comes to water heaters today, you have two choices – tank style water heaters and tankless water heaters. At Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air, we install both styles. In fact, we can install all styles and all brands of water heaters. One of the biggest questions we get from our customers is “Which type of water heater should I have installed – tank or tankless?”
It’s not a hard decision once you know the main differences. Here is a quick breakdown that should give you the basics.
Tank-Style Water Heater Installation
If you decide to have a tank-style water heater installed in your Cincinnati-area home, there are several benefits. The main advantage is that tank style water heater installation is less expensive. They can range from $300 to $500 depending on which brand, style and size you choose. Many homeowners choose to upgrade their tank-style water heater to a larger capacity – say from a 30 gallon to a 50 gallon tank to provide hot water longer. Tank-style water heaters are reliable and should last 10-12 years.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
When you choose to install a tankless water heater in your Cincinnati-area home, there are several benefits as well. Tankless water heaters are smaller (about the size of a carry-on piece of luggage) and hang on the wall so they don’t require the floor space a tank water heater does. They are more energy efficient because they only heat water on demand as opposed to keeping gallons of water hot like the tank style. Plus, since there is no tank, there is no chance of it springing a leak and flooding your home. A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance. The only drawback to a tankless water heater is that it costs more to install it. Because a tankless model needs electrical outlets for the fan and electronics, upgraded gas pipes, and a new ventilation system, tankless water heater installation averages $1,200-1,500.