Property owners are always on the look out for options that are friendly to the environment while still saving them money. One such choice lies in choosing between a tankless hot water heater or a conventional hot water heater for a property. The right choice depends on your hot water needs, how quickly you run through hot water and how much space your property has for a tank. If you are in need of hot water heater repair in Grand Rapids, MN, consider your options if you are thinking to replace your hot water system: a tank versus tankless.
Tankless pros and cons
Many modern water systems take advantage of tankless hot water heaters. Operating costs of a tankless system come from not having to store several gallons of water at a heated temperature ready for use. The energy saved in no longer having to heat the tank can be put to better use heating the entire property and bring costs down during colder months. Tankless heaters also last twice as long as conventional water heaters do. As an investment in a property that will be a long-term part of your life, you’ll be saving time and money by not having to replace the tankless water heater nearly as often.
Getting a tankless water heater installed can be very costly. Tankless heaters require more extensive work up front to get them into place, which can also mean replacing some of the plumbing in the building for the heater to work properly. As a newer technology, tankless systems also cost more up front. They can cost nearly twice as much as a typical water heater, so buyers with a tight budget might want to carefully consider how much that money impacts the budget. Homeowners should also be aware if their heat system is up to the task. Tankless systems heat water on demand at very high temperatures and older systems might not be able to put out enough heat to work with a tankless system properly.
Conventional water heater pros and cons
Because conventional water heater systems are a well-entrenched technology, they have a reputation for reliability and ease of repair when they break down. The bigger water tanks that conventional heaters require also mean they can put out more hot water on a consistent basis. For a building with a lot of tenants or family members, making sure everyone gets hot water in the shower is a good thing.
Those big tanks are one of the big cons for going the conventional route. Tankless heaters take up a 2’ by 3’ area in a basement, while a regular heater needs at least 5’ by 4’ for the tank and other equipment. Conventional heaters also last about ten years compared to the two decades plus touted by most tankless manufacturers.
Hot water heater repair in Grand Rapids, MN, is a big deal during the winter months but can be dealt with any time of the year. Deciding what type of water heater is best for you is the first big step on improving the efficiency of your property.