Water Heaters: Tanks vs. Tankless

Time just seems to be flying, doesn’t it? Where did the summer go? The next thing you know we’ll all have to start wearing long-sleeved clothing and think about changing our tires for winter. But before all of that happens, it’s important to make sure that your furnace and water heating systems are up and running smoothly. If not, now is the time to remedy the problem.

Last winter, (and on the coldest day no less) both my furnace and hot water tank were on the fritz…at the same time. If I had tended to the potential issues beforehand, I could have avoided that emergency in the first place. Make sure your furnace is working properly and that the heat is able to flow through all of the vents in your home. When it comes to hot water however, it’s a different story.

There are two main types of hot water heaters: hot water tanks and tankless water heaters. Gas hot water tanks come in a variety of sizes to accommodate the size of your home and come in three main types: direct vent (exhaust is vented directly out of the home), natural draft (exhaust exits through the chimney) and power vented (a blower is required to force the exhaust out). Factors such as where the hot water tank is located in your home will determine the type of tank that is best for you. Tankless water heaters are seen to be a very eco-friendly choice; they instantly heat up as water passes through them. They are also very durable and take up less space in your home.

Whatever decision you make on how to heat the water in your home, remember to do your research and consult with a professional. Thanks for reading, and have a good day!