Since water heater replacement is rarely at the top of a homeowner’s to-do list, it’s no surprise that there are questions regarding which one works best for your particular needs. Do you go with a tank water heater? Or, should you switch to a tankless one?
The correct answer is dependent on many factors such as your family’s hot water usage, your plumbing, finances, and more. At Putman Plumbing, the best advice is the one that works for your specific situation, rather than just following whatever is trending.
Here, you will find all you need to know when choosing whether a tank or a tankless water heater is best for your home in Maryland.
Start with How Your Household Uses Hot Water
First, consider how your family uses hot water throughout the average day before evaluating the water heater options.
Does your family take showers in succession in the mornings? Does your family typically do dishes at the same time as someone does laundry? Has the size of your family increased since the water heater was installed?
These everyday activities will play more of a role in determining the water heater option than most families recognize. What works for one family will not necessarily work for another.
Which Water Heater Fits Your Home? Ask Yourself These Questions
If you’re not sure what path to take, consider some basic questions first.
How many people rely on hot water every day? One or two people using hot water in their home will likely have a different set of requirements compared to families of larger size with several bathrooms in regular use.
Are you replacing a broken water heater or planning? If your existing water heater breaks down suddenly, then your first concern is probably to restore the supply of hot water. If you are getting a replacement before that happens, then you can consider other options.
How long do you plan to stay in your home? If you are planning to move out in the coming years, then maybe you might prioritize an initial investment that is less expensive. However, if you plan on living in your house for a longer period of time, then you might take into account things like how efficient the new system is in terms of energy, the maintenance it will need, and how long the water heater will last.
Is your home’s plumbing already set up for the system you’re considering?
If you plan on switching from the conventional type of water heater to the tankless one, then your house might need to change its piping, gas lines, electricity or ventilation.
What is your water quality like? Hard water can have some effects on the system and its maintenance. This is something you should definitely think about before making a decision.
Asking yourself these questions will not give you an answer, but it will help you get an idea.
When a Traditional Tank Water Heater Makes Sense
Traditional storage tank water heaters remain one of the options that provide efficiency for the residents of Maryland homes.
If you have been benefiting from the service of an old water heater in your home, it might be logical for you to replace it with a new but similar tank water heater. This will make the installation process easier since the pipes in your home were made for such a water heater.
For homeowners who want reliability at a lower upfront installation cost, a traditional tank water heater is the right choice.
When a Tankless Water Heater May Be Worth Considering
Unlike traditional models that keep water in a storage tank, tankless water heaters heat the water as it is needed.
For homeowners who don’t have much space available in the house, these units are very handy due to their compact design. Other people like that there’s no need to wait until the storage tank refills during heavy usage of hot water.
Also, if maintained properly, a tankless water heater may provide a longer service life than many other traditional water heating units.
However, a tankless heater is not necessarily an easy switch from the current water heater. Depending on your home’s plumbing and utilities, it may take additional work to install a new system. Thus, taking into account the whole installation, not only the cost of the heater itself, can help you make a more informed decision.
What We’ve Seen in Maryland Homes
Each household is different, and this statement applies to plumbing issues too.
Throughout the years, we have been working in houses where installation of a tankless water heater meant changing the gas lines, vents, or plumbing connections. We have also helped homeowners looking for a reliable replacement compatible with their system and within the budget.
We have dealt with households where the requirements for hot water had changed because of growing children, moving in relatives, or altered household habits. We have also helped homeowners with hard water to understand the difference between the maintenance of two types of heaters before investing in the purchase.
These cases show us that the selection of a water heater is not only about technical differences. You need to know what you want from your system in the future. That’s why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all recommendations.
Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Regardless of what kind of water heater you get, maintenance can help you ensure that it runs smoothly and that it lasts longer.
If you have a traditional water heater, you should consider getting it flushed regularly since sediment tends to accumulate in the water heater tank. If you have a tankless water heater, you’ll also need to think about maintenance, especially if your water is hard.
Some maintenance efforts can prevent unnecessary problems and keep your water heater working well.
The Best Water Heater Is the One That Fits Your Home
Every time we get asked by homeowners if the tank water heater or the tankless water heater is better, we give the same answer: it depends on your home.
The amount of hot water you consume regularly, your current plumbing system, your budget, and what the future holds for you all contribute significantly to making a choice in one direction or another.
Here at Putman Plumbing, we try to take into consideration all aspects of your home and choose the best-fitting option for your case, be it the tank or the tankless.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Whether your existing water heater can’t keep up with your demands, is reaching the end of its lifespan, or has finally quit working entirely, Putman Plumbing is here to help.
We’ll evaluate your home’s plumbing system, discuss your household’s hot water needs, explain your options, and recommend a solution that fits your home and your budget.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.