Tank and Tankless Water Heater - Blue Ribbon Plumbing

Is your water heater giving you trouble? It might be time for a new one, but which type should you go for? Tank or tankless? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Tank vs. Tankless: What’s the Difference?

Here’s the basic scoop:

Tank Water Heater: This one’s like a big water storage unit. It heats water and keeps it ready for you when you need it. Imagine a big, insulated tank sitting in your basement or utility closet, filled with heated water, just waiting for you to turn on the tap. That’s a tank water heater for you.

Tankless Water Heater: No big storage tank here. Instead, it heats water instantly as you use it. Pretty neat, huh? Think of it like a magical machine that zaps cold water into hot water the moment you ask for it. No waiting around, just instant hot water bliss.

Both types can run on different energy sources like gas or electricity.

How Does A Water Heater Work

Tank Water Heater: Cold water comes in, gets heated up, and sits in the tank until you need it. When you turn on the hot water tap, it flows out from the tank. It’s like having a reserve of hot water ready and waiting for you.

Tankless Water Heater: No waiting around here. As soon as you want hot water, it starts heating it up. No storage, just instant heat. It’s like having a personal hot water genie that grants your wishes the moment you ask for them.

Pros and Cons: Let’s Weigh Them Up

Tank Water Heater:

Pros: Cheaper upfront, good for multiple users at once, easy to manage. Tank water heaters have been around for a long time, and they’re reliable workhorses. Plus, they’re usually cheaper to buy and install compared to tankless models.

Cons: Takes time to refill, can be pricey to run, might leak over time, needs space. One downside is that once the hot water in the tank runs out, you’ll have to wait for it to refill and heat up again. Also, because they’re constantly keeping water hot, they can be more expensive to run and maintain.

Tankless Water Heater:

Pros: Efficient, lasts longer, less risk of leaks, smaller size. Tankless water heaters in Myrtle Beach are like the new kids on the block, but they’ve quickly gained popularity for good reason. They’re super efficient because they only heat water when you need it, which means lower energy bills. Plus, they take up way less space and can last for decades.

Cons: Costs more upfront, might need changes to your plumbing, not as common. The main downside is that they can be more expensive to buy and install compared to tank water heaters. Depending on your home’s setup, you might also need to make some changes to your plumbing or gas lines. And while they’re becoming more popular, they’re still not as common as tank water heaters.

Which Size is Right for You?

For tank heaters, figure out how much hot water your household needs at its busiest time. Look for a tank that can handle that demand. If you have a big family that loves long showers, you’ll need a larger tank to keep up with the demand.

For tankless, calculate how much hot water you’ll use at once. This helps you pick the right size unit. If you’re the only one using hot water at a time, you can get away with a smaller unit. But if you have a lot of people using hot water simultaneously, you’ll need a larger unit to keep up.

Tank or Tankless: What’s Your Pick?

If you want something easy and don’t mind waiting a bit for hot water, go for a tank.

But if you’re all about saving money and having hot water on demand, tankless might be the way to go.

Ready to Upgrade Your Water Heater?

Whether you’re Team Tank or Team Tankless, getting the right water heater in Myrtle Beach is key. Make sure to consider your household’s needs and preferences.

Ready to make the switch? Reach out to your local plumbers in Myrtle Beach for guidance on choosing and installing the perfect water heater for your home. Say goodbye to cold showers and hello to hot water bliss!