Water Heaters: Tank Or Tankless

About this video

• Video Title: Water Heaters: Tank Or Tankless
• Channel: The Trusty Tradesman
• Speakers: [Speaker not explicitly named, but referred to as "Lorraine" in a humorous context]
• Duration: 00:07:18

Overview

This video provides a high-level comparison between traditional tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. It explains how each type works, discusses their pros and cons regarding upfront costs, convenience, energy savings, water lag, and space requirements, to help homeowners decide which system is right for them.

Key takeaways

• Tank Water Heaters: These work by filling a tank with cold water, heating it to a set temperature using burners, and maintaining that temperature. When hot water is used, cold water refills the tank, and the heating cycle restarts. They are generally less expensive upfront and have a shorter hot water lag.
• Tankless Water Heaters: These heat water on demand as it passes through heat exchangers. They offer continuous hot water supply and are more energy-efficient when not in use, but have a higher upfront cost and a noticeable water lag when first turned on.
• Upfront Costs: Tank water heaters typically range from $1500 to $2200 for installation, while tankless systems start around $3500 and can go up to $5000-$6000, often requiring more installation time and additional components.
• Convenience & Energy Savings: Tankless systems provide continuous hot water and are more energy-efficient when not in use. However, the energy savings may not offset the higher initial cost when compared to modern, efficient tank heaters over the unit's lifespan.
• Water Lag: Tank heaters have a short lag (5-10 seconds) for hot water delivery. Tankless heaters have a longer lag (up to a minute) as the system needs to heat up, though this can be mitigated with additional systems like storage tanks or recirculation pumps.
• Space: Tankless water heaters are significantly more compact and can be mounted on a wall, making them ideal for homes with limited space. Traditional tanks require a larger footprint in a mechanical room.
• Decision Factors: The choice between tank and tankless largely depends on budget and available space. Tankless is a luxury, convenient option for those with higher upfront costs and space constraints, while tanks are a more budget-friendly choice for those with ample space.