Water Heater Skagit County
Tankless Water Heaters Beat Tank Types
In recent years, a new type of water heater has come to market. The old style storage tank heaters now have a tough competitor when it comes to efficiency and comfort. A tankless water heater can produce unlimited hot water and does so only when it's needed, lowering the cost of operation. Understanding a little about both types is important if you're considering replacing your current water heater or upgrading to a tankless water heater. If you want more information about either type please give Alpine Heating and Cooling a call.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater (like the Navien shown) only heats cold water when there is a call for hot water. When you turn on the hot water tap, it fires up instantly and as the water passes through the unit the water gets heated to the desired temperature by a gas or propane burner. The hot water is then moved through your pipes to you. No storage tank is used, therefore you do not pay to have heated water stored. Once you turn off the need for hot water the tankless water heater shuts off.
Storage Tank Type Water Heaters
Storage tank (or tank-type) water heaters (like the Bradford White shown) are the more conventional choice in hot water heaters. They have been around a very long time, and are basic technology. Tank type water heaters heat water in a tank and periodically fire to maintain the temperature of the water until you need it. The water is held at the desired temperature until it's used. When there is a call for hot water the water moves through the pipes to you. Once you turn off the need for hot water the tank continues to heat and maintain the temperature of the water in the tank.
The Debate
The debate about which type of water heater is better has been going on since tankless units were introduced and centers around energy efficiency and money savings. What we know from experience is that a tankless water heater will save you money. Many people also enjoy the limitless hot water a tankless unit can supply. Unlike a tank-type water heater, the output of a tankless is rated in continuous gallons per minute instead of first-hour gallons and recovery rate. So, in addition to enjoying long, wonderful, hot showers even right after doing the laundry and running the dishwasher, a tankless water heater owner saves around 30% on water heating costs, in our experience.
Navien Combi Tankless Water Heater
Bradford White hot water tank
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