Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which is Right for Your Home?

October 15, 2024

When it comes to heating a home’s water supply, Idaho homeowners have two options: traditional tank water heaters and modern tankless systems.

The tank versus tankless debate is like choosing between a refurbished classic car and a sleek sports model. Both get you where you need to go (or, in this case, get your water hot), but they do it in different ways.

Each has its own advantages and trade-offs, and the right choice depends on the unique needs of a Meridian household.

Whether you would like to understand how a tankless water heater works or want a breakdown of the pros and cons of either system, you can count on the team at Western Heating & Air to give you the answers you need to make an informed decision about your water heater replacement choice.

Tank Water Heaters

Standard or tank water heaters store hot water in a large insulated tank. These are what most people picture when discussing hot water heaters.

For decades, tank water heaters have been the go-to choice for Meridian. Here’s why:

Lower upfront cost: Tank water heaters generally have a lower initial price compared to their tankless counterparts, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners in Meridian and surrounding communities.

Simplicity: These systems are straightforward to install and repair, and they have a long-established infrastructure of parts and service professionals.

Immediate, stored hot water: When you turn on the faucet, you don’t have to wait for the water to heat up—hot water is stored and ready^*. This is handy when extreme weather causes power outages; you can still have some hot water after the power goes out. At least before your tank is emptied or the heat dissipates.

However, most Meridian have run into these issues:

Limited hot water supply: Once the tank runs out of hot water, you have to wait for it to refill and reheat.

Energy loss: Tanks constantly keep water hot, even when you’re not using it, leading to standby energy losses.

Larger footprint: Tank systems can take up considerable space in a Meridian, home.

^*Depending on how far your water heater is from the faucet you are using—or the size of your pipes or water pressure—you may experience a delay in receiving your stored hot water. This delay can result in water wastage as users run water waiting for it to “get hot”. Installing a hot water recirculation system can help reduce the wait time for hot water to travel through your pipes.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, known as on-demand systems, only heat water when needed. In recent years, Western Heating & Air Conditioning has seen a significant increase in the popularity of tankless systems due to these advantages:

Endless hot water: Because tankless systems heat water on demand, you’ll never run out, even during long showers or back-to-back laundry loads.
Energy-efficient: Tankless heaters only operate when hot water is required, eliminating the standby energy losses associated with tanks.
Space-saving: These systems are compact and can be mounted on walls, freeing up valuable floor space.

Some Meridian homeowners may hesitate to install a tankless water heater for these reasons:

Higher upfront cost: Tankless systems typically come with a higher price tag, both for the unit and installation.

Complex installation: Installing a tankless system may require additional electrical or gas work, which could increase costs.
Lag in hot water delivery: With tankless heaters, there can be a slight delay in getting hot water, as the system needs to heat it on demand. This can feel even longer when water needs to travel across the house to the faucet you need. A hot water recirculation system can help offset this.

Which Water Heater Should You Choose?

The decision between tank and tankless water heaters boils down to your specific needs and budget.

A traditional tank system may make the most sense for small households or those on a tight budget. The lower upfront cost and immediate hot water access are significant benefits.
For larger families or eco-conscious homeowners in Idaho, a tankless system might be worth the higher initial investment, as it offers long-term energy savings and unlimited hot water.

Whether you opt for a tanked water heater or go tankless, if you upgrade to an ENERGY STAR^®-rated heat pump water heater, you may earn a federal tax credit of up to $2,000.

Trust Our Water Heater Professionals

Both tank and tankless water heaters have their merits, and what works best for one Meridian household may not be the ideal solution for another. That’s why Western Heating & Air Conditioning is here to provide guidance, helping you make the best decision for your Meridian home.

Get a free estimate or talk to a Western Heating & Air Conditioning expert by calling 208-319-1736!