How Traditional Hot Water Tanks Work
Traditional water heaters store a large amount of hot water ready to use for laundry, showers, or the dishwasher in a 40, 50 or larger size tank. It keeps this water ready to use, even when you run several hot water appliances at once. Traditional tanks keep the hot water coming until it’s depleted from the tank.

As long as you have a large enough capacity water heater that shouldn’t be a problem. However, maybe your hot water needs have changed because you’ve added another bathroom, two more kids, or a roommate and now there isn’t enough hot water to go around. You can upgrade to the next size tank but sometimes space is limited where your hot water hookup is. This may have you considering a much smaller tankless water heater.

Efficiency

In terms of efficiency, nothing can compare to a tankless water heater. Unlike a traditional water heater, they do not keep water heated when you are not using it. A tankless water heater is able to heat water instantly as it is needed. This means big savings on energy costs, and also means you will never run out of hot water no matter how much it is used. Traditional tank water heaters may not be the best choice for energy efficiency since maintaining the temperature of the water means they are constantly using energy even when you’re not using water.

Flow Rate

The capacity to provide hot water for simultaneous household duties vary for tankless water heaters, and can be somewhat less than traditional tank water heaters. For instance, if you use the shower, laundry and dishwasher simultaneously it could affect the flow rate (gallons per minute). Therefore, they may not be an ideal option for heavy hot water use households.

Short and Long-Term Cost

The initial cost for the tankless water heaters and installation is more, but they have a 20 year life expectancy–twice as long as the life span of traditional storage water heaters. They also require additional maintenance once a year for the sediment to be flushed from the system.

Do you want to know if a tankless water heater would be right for your home and family and live in the Baltimore-Annapolis area? Then give us a call at 410-636-7614 or contact us online to schedule your free advising and estimate appointment. We take the time to understand your needs and budget so you know you’re making the right decision, even if its not with us!