In terms of providing hot water for your home, there are two main types of water heaters: tank-style models and tankless units. Both are designed to provide a continuous hot water supply but differ significantly in functionality and design. Your best choice will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and home setup. Keeley’s Plumbing, the leading expert in water heater repair in Wheaton, IL, compares these two types to help you make the best decision for your home.
Features
Traditional water heaters come in sizes ranging from 20 to 80 gallons, depending on your household needs. They have a temperature and pressure relief valve, a drain valve, and an anode rod to prevent rusting. They are available in gas, electric, or hybrid models. A tankless water heater is much smaller as it does not require a storage tank. They can be wall-mounted or installed under cabinets, making them ideal for homes with limited space. They also come in gas or electric models.
Benefits
Tank-style water heaters can provide hot water for multiple household activities simultaneously, such as showering, doing laundry, or washing dishes. Water is heated and stored in a tank until it’s needed. This means that even with a power outage, you will still have access to hot water for a certain period.
On the other hand, tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand. This means there is no limit to the amount of hot water you can use as long as it’s within the unit’s capacity. They also tend to be more energy-efficient since they only heat the water when needed. Tankless water heaters also have a longer lifespan than tank-style models, so you won’t require frequent water heater replacement.
Potential Drawbacks
One of the main drawbacks of tank-style water heaters is their limited hot water supply. If you use up all the water in the tank, you must wait for it to refill and heat up before you can use hot water again. This can inconvenience larger households or families with high hot water demands.
Tankless units have a higher upfront cost compared to tank-style models. They also require professional water heater installation, which can add to the initial investment. Additionally, they may be unsuitable for homes with high hot water demands, such as multiple showers or large bathtubs.
Keeley’s Plumbing is the team to call for reliable water heater services in Wheaton, IL and the nearby areas. Our experienced plumbers can help you choose the best water heater for your home and provide professional installation, repairs, and maintenance to keep it running efficiently. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.