Water Heaters

Tanked Vs. Tankless - What Type Of Water Heater Is Right For You?

Once upon a time, a tanked water heater was the only way to have hot water in your home, short of boiling some on the stove. But the technology continues to advance, and now tankless water heaters are on the market, shaking things up. Which is best for your home? We'll take a look at the pros and cons:

Traditional Tanked Water Heaters

Pros:

• Lower Upfront Cost: Traditional tank water heaters cost a lot less to buy and install than tankless units, making them budget-friendly for families who need reliable hot water without breaking the bank.
• Simple Repairs & Maintenance: Most plumbers can work on tank water heaters easily, parts are readily available, and repairs are usually straightforward and affordable when something goes wrong.
• Proven Reliability: Tank water heaters have been around forever and work the same way every time - heat water, store it, use it when needed.

Cons:

• Higher Energy Bills: Tank units keep water hot 24/7, whether you're using it or not, which wastes energy and drives up your monthly utility costs over time.
• Limited Hot Water Supply: Once you use up the hot water in the tank, you're stuck waiting 30-60 minutes for it to heat up again before anyone else can shower.
• Takes Up Space: Traditional water heaters are bulky and need a dedicated area in your basement, utility room, or garage that could be used for storage.

Tankless Water Heaters

Pros: 

• Endless Hot Water: Tankless units heat water on demand, so you'll never run out of hot water no matter how many showers, loads of laundry, or dishes you need to do.
• Lower Energy Costs: Since tankless heaters only work when you need hot water, they use 20-30% less energy than traditional tanks, saving you money every month.
• Space Saving Design: Tankless units mount on the wall and take up minimal space, freeing up room in your utility area for other storage needs.

Cons: 

• Higher Initial Investment: Tankless water heaters cost more upfront to purchase and install, though the energy savings help offset this cost over time.
• Complex Installation Requirements: Installing tankless units often requires electrical upgrades, gas line modifications, or venting changes that add to the installation complexity and cost.
• Slower Flow For Multiple Uses: If several people try to use hot water at the same time, tankless units might struggle to keep up with demand and reduce flow rates.

How Do I Know If My Water Heater Needs Repair?

When your water heater starts acting up, don't wait until you're stuck with cold showers - give us a call to get it diagnosed and fixed before small problems turn into expensive replacements. Common signs that your water heater needs repair include water that's not getting hot enough or takes forever to heat up, strange noises coming from the tank like popping, rumbling, or banging sounds, rusty or discolored hot water, water pooling around the base of your unit, or your hot water running out much faster than it used to. Sometimes you might notice your energy bills creeping up because your water heater is working harder to do its job, or you might see rust or corrosion on the tank or connections. Our water heater repair services can often get your unit back to working like new again without the expense of a full replacement. We'll diagnose what's causing the problem - whether it's a faulty heating element, a worn-out thermostat, sediment buildup, or something else - and give you straight talk about whether repair makes sense or if you'd be better off with a new unit.