Practically all U.S. households have a water heater since it’s an essential part of modern life. More than half have a fuel-fired system, while the others have an electric model. Within their core categories, there are many options, including tank versus tankless. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages to figure out which type of water heater is best for you.

Tank Water Heaters

The traditional water heating solution in the U.S. is storage-based. These systems use a tank to store and heat a home’s hot water. This approach is inherently inefficient because the system is constantly expending energy to heat water you’ll eventually use.

That said, modern systems have come a long way in that regard, and you can compare them by looking at the uniform energy factor. The size of the average tank is 40 to 50 gallons. There are smaller tanks available for individuals and couples and bigger tanks available for large families. You also have the choice between various form factors, such as tall water heaters for garage installations.

Tankless Water Heaters

This kind of water heater only uses energy to heat water on demand. For the average household, that can lower energy usage by between 24% and 34%. On-demand systems are more expensive initially. Still, their energy savings and longer lifespans generally result in lower total costs.

Another advantage is that tankless systems have a very small installation footprint. If you have a dedicated water heater closet, for instance, you could repurpose it for something else.

Fuel-Fired Water Heaters

Among both tankless and tank water heaters, some systems burn natural gas, liquid propane or fuel oil. Natural gas is the cheapest and most convenient option if your property has access. A standard gas water heater is about 80% efficient.

That means that it wastes about 20% of the fuel it burns, mostly through the flue. There are high-efficiency fuel-burning water heaters that start at about 90% efficiency and range up to near 100%.

Traditional Electric Water Heaters

Traditional electric water heaters are between 99% and 100% efficient, which makes them better for the environment overall. The issue is that electricity is more expensive than the fuel options discussed above.

This means that a gas water heater will generally be cheaper while it runs, despite having a shorter life expectancy. There are exceptions, such as electric tankless water heaters for small households.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

This type of electric tank water heater doesn’t generate heat directly but, rather, transfers it from the air to the water. That makes them more efficient, much of the time, than even a tankless water heater. Some hybrid models can do both. That lets them take advantage of traditional heat generation during periods of high demand.

Call E Dennis AC Inc. or fill out our online contact form to schedule an in-home consultation for a water heater installation in Newnan, GA.