Hot water tanks are one of those major appliances we rarely ever think of, out of sight, out of mind. That is until yours breaks and you are confronted with the harsh reality of a cold shower.
Hot water tanks have a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years, although some homeowners may still be running tanks that are pushing 20. If your tank is on the newer side, hot water tank repair in Surrey is the way to go. For a small investment in hot water tank repairs, you could get years more before having to replace your tank.
However, if you are in a situation where your current tank cannot be repaired, or you are approaching the end of your hot water tank’s expected life, it may be time to consider replacing it.
There are three main types of water heaters used in Surrey; conventional gas heaters, or electric water heaters, and tankless heaters.
Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular thanks to their extremely small footprint and high efficiency. In new builds, tankless heaters are used almost exclusively, but the choice between the tank and tankless may not be so simple if you live in an older home.
If you are in the market for a new hot water tank, here are some pros and cons of going tankless to consider.
As far as efficiency, flexibility, and durability are concerned, a tankless water heater makes the most sense.
You can’t beat the efficiency of a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters have an energy efficiency factor of between 0.94 and 0.98, meaning nearly all the energy consumed is used to heat water, with virtually no waste. Compared to a conventional system, a tankless water heater is up to 34% more efficient.
Picture a conventional hot water tank; they are approximately 5 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter. Tankless hot water is roughly the size of a large shoebox and hangs on the wall. Now imagine what you could do with all that extra space.
A tankless water heater is a long-term investment. The life expectancy for an average quality tankless hot heater is roughly 20 years, with some high-end models able to last 25+ years. And with warranties ranging from 15 to 25 years, you won’t have to worry about the cost of hot water tank repair in Surrey for a very, very long time.
But while the benefits definitely outweigh the costs, there are a few disadvantages to going tankless.
Switching to a new technology is never cheap. Purchasing and installing a tankless water heater is more expensive than simply replacing a conventional tank with a newer model. Where buying and installing a new hot water tank will cost around $1,500-$2,000, purchasing and installing a tankless water heater could run as much as $4,500.
However, with a life expectancy more than double that of a conventional tank and lower monthly energy bills, a tankless heater will end up paying for itself in savings.
Hot water tank repair Surrey technicians are always stressing to clients the importance regular tank maintenance plays on the longevity of their hot water tanks. But with a tankless water heater, it really is crucial to have them serviced annually. Failure to do so could reduce the life of your tankless heater from 25 years to 5 years and may void your warranty.
Also read: Why Should You Hire Emergency Plumbing Services?
A tankless water heater can keep your shower running hot for as long as you like, even if you’re last in line on a busy weekday morning, and even if two showers are going at once. That’s something a 40-60 gallon conventional tank can’t promise. However, a single tankless water heater can’t run a shower, fill a bathtub, and provide hot water for dishes all at the same time. Larger families with more hot water demands often choose to install multiple tankless water heaters.
If your current hot water tank can’t be repaired and instead needs replacing, and it can be done within your budget, investing in a tankless water heater is the smarter choice. Thanks to technological advances, heating water has become more efficient and less expensive. With a tankless heater, there is no longer the need to keep gallons of water warm and ready to use, saving space in your home and reducing consumption of limited resources.
Financially, functionally, and environmentally, a tankless water heater is a better investment all around.
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