Plumbing
Tankless water heaters in Colorado Springs, CO

If you’re in the market for a new hot water heating system for your home, you may be curious about the differences between a tank-based and tankless water heater. There are several pros and cons to consider for each of these options. It’s important to consider the demands of your Colorado Springs, CO residence, budget, and several other factors.

The Number of People in Your Household

When considering whether to invest in a tank or tankless hot water heater, think about the number of people in your household. If there are only one or two people in your home, and you don’t have high hot water demands, you may be fine installing a hot water tank-based system with around 30 gallons. A home with three to four people typically benefits from a tank with around 40 gallons. If you have a large household with five or more people or use a large amount of hot water throughout the day, it’s a good idea to consider an on-demand tankless system.

The Lifespan of Your Equipment

On average, a tank-based hot water system will last around 10 years before needing to be replaced. A tankless system can last up to 30 years with regular maintenance and prompt repairs. If you don’t plan on staying in your house for many more years, an affordable tank system may be the best option for you. If you’re in your forever home and want to reap the benefits of on-demand hot water, a tankless water heater is ideal.

The Cost of Installation

The cost of installing a tankless system in your home is usually higher than that of a tank system installation. The installation process is more involved because there is no storage tank. You may also have to upgrade your electrical setup if your new tankless system requires it. If you choose a system with a hot water tank and decide to switch from a gas setup to an electric model or vice versa, this will increase the cost of the installation process, too.

There may be a need to change the setup of your plumbing system as well, also impacting the cost of your installation process. If you’ve never had a tankless system before, then you may have more of a need to change your pipes and plumbing. Switching from the same system simply to accommodate a new model is usually relatively affordable.

The Affordability of Gas

Many hot water heaters with tanks use gas as their main power source. Gas is usually quite affordable, allowing you to keep your monthly bills to a minimum. A tankless system uses electricity. If you’re using a lot of hot water each day, this can lead to a substantial spike in your electricity bill each month.

System Efficiency

Regardless of which setup you choose, you’ll want to consider how efficient it is based on your home’s hot water needs. If you have a tankless system but use a lot of water, you’re consuming a lot of electricity to heat your water. If you have a tank-based system but aren’t using a lot of hot water, you’re wasting a lot of energy keeping the water warm. Even if you’re not home or running hot water, the heater must run to maintain a set temperature inside your tank. This is what often leads to inefficiencies with a tank-based water heater.

Also, consider the efficiency ratings for the specific equipment that you’re considering. Water heaters usually come with an ENERGY STAR rating, which will provide you with key information regarding how efficient a piece of equipment is and how much it will cost you to run that equipment each year. Rebates or other incentives may be available when you purchase an ENERGY STAR-rated appliance. This will help you save money on the up-front cost of your new water heater and its installation.

Routine Maintenance Costs

It’s essential to schedule routine maintenance for your water heater, regardless of what kind of equipment you have. Annual maintenance is necessary for both tank and tankless water heaters. This maintenance will help protect the integrity and efficiency of your equipment while prolonging its lifespan. A lot of homeowners neglect this maintenance to save money. In the long run, you may spend more on emergency repairs. Minor repairs made during a routine maintenance session can keep you from experiencing costly major issues later on.

A bit more maintenance is associated with a tankless system. This is because there are more intricate components that need to be inspected and maintained. A tank-based setup doesn’t require as much maintenance. However, the tank will need to be drained and inspected periodically. There is a sacrificial anode rod in the tank that may need to be replaced as sediment and mineral deposits accumulate on its surface. This rod is designed to protect the interior of your tank from corrosion.

If you have hard water in the area where you live, this can place additional wear and tear on your hot water heater. In a tank-based system, this wear and tear includes mineral deposits on integral components. These deposits can form on a tankless system as well; however, there is less risk of corrosion and damage when a tank isn’t present.

The Up-Front Cost

A tankless hot water system costs substantially more than a tanked one. Some people simply don’t want a water heater to take up such a large portion of their budget, even though they may be interested in the benefits this system provides. The cost of your appliance will depend on the size and type that you select. A hot water tank costs much less, and there are fewer components that need to be installed as part of its setup.

If you have time to plan for the replacement of your water heater, you may want to save up for a more efficient option, even if it’s going to cost you more up-front. You’ll save more money over a longer period.

Your Home’s Value

A residence that has an on-demand hot water system tends to have a higher value than one with a traditional tank. If you’re going to sell your home soon, it’s worth considering investing in a tankless system to boost the asking price when the time comes. Make sure to keep up with the routine maintenance of your system in the meantime. This is a selling point that potential buyers appreciate as well.

If you would like assistance with the selection or installation of your new hot water system in the Colorado Springs area, you can rely on Alphalete Plumbing Drain Heating & Air. We also offer plumbing services such as drain cleaning, hydro jetting, camera inspections, and epoxy lining. Our HVAC services include the repair, installation, and maintenance of heating and cooling equipment. We have an excavation team on hand as well.

Contact Alphalete Plumbing Drain Heating & Air today to schedule an appointment in Colorado Springs.

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