Tanked Water Heaters
Choosing a new water heater is an important decision for any homeowner. One of the most common and traditional options is the tanked water heater. Another option to consider is a tankless water heater, however both have their advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the differences between the two can be useful as you make the decision if tanked water heaters are right for you.
How Do Tanked Water Heaters Work?
Tanked water heaters store a large volume of water and heat it so it’s ready when you need it. Cold water enters through the bottom and is heated by a gas burner or electric heating. A thermostat monitors the temperature and will turn the heating system on and off to keep the water at a consistent temperature. When you turn on a hot water faucet, the cold water pushes the hot water through your home’s pipes. The cycle continues, ensuring you have a steady supply of hot water.
The Basics of Tanked Water Heaters
How Much Does A New Tanked Water Heater Cost?
The total cost for a new tanked water heater can vary significantly, depending where you live. There are several other factors that will also affect the price of your new water heater, such as the fuel type, tank size, and how complex the installation process is. It’s best to get a price quote from a local technician prior to making a decision and if you give A-Advanced Home Services a call at (888) 281-2243, we’ll be happy to come out to take a look. The initial cost for a tanked water heater is typically less than the cost of a tankless water heater, however your tanked unit will need regular maintenance to increase its lifespan.
How Long Will My Tanked Water Heater Last?
On average, a tanked water heater will last between 8 and 12 years. However, this lifespan can be greatly influenced by a variety of factors, so regular maintenance is crucial in extending the life of your unit. When compared to tankless water heaters, they do have a smaller life expectancy, but the simplicity of repairing and installing a new tanked water heater is far less complicated and saves money in this aspect.
Will My Tanked Water Heater Still Work During A Power Outage?
One of the benefits of having a tanked water heater that is gas powered means that you will have hot water, even if your power goes out. Gas-powered tanked water heaters often continue to operate during a power outage because they use a pilot light to ignite the burner, unlike a tankless water heater, which relies on electricity.
What Size Water Heater Do I Need?
The appropriate size for a tank water heater depends on the number of people in your household and your peak hot water usage. A common guideline is:
- 1-2 people: 30-40 gallons
- 2-3 people: 40-50 gallons
- 3-4 people: 50-60 gallons
- 5+ people: 60-80 gallons or more
The Advantages Of A Tanked Water Heater
Lower Upfront Cost
Both the unit itself and the installation are typically more budget-friendly compared to their tankless counterparts. This makes them an attractive option for homeowners who need a new water heater without a substantial initial investment. Installation of a tanked water heater is generally a more straightforward process. Because they have been the standard for decades, most homes are already plumbed and configured for a tank-style unit, simplifying the replacement process and reducing labor costs.
Simultaneous hot water to multiple outlets
Another key advantage is the ability to supply hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously without a significant drop in pressure. The reservoir of heated water ensures that you can run a shower and a dishwasher at the same time, a scenario where some smaller tankless units might struggle to keep up. However, this will also draw down your hot water supply more quickly.
Widely Used & Understood System
Finally, the technology behind tanked water heaters is well-established and understood. This long history translates to a wide availability of parts and a large pool of qualified technicians who are familiar with their installation and repair. This can provide peace of mind for homeowners who value proven reliability and easy access to service.
The Disadvantages Of A Tanked Water Heater
Energy Inefficiency
The biggest drawback is “standby heat loss.” The heater must continuously use energy to keep the large volume of water in the tank hot, even when no one is using it. This can lead to higher monthly utility bills compared to tankless models. In contrast, the tankless water heater is known for its high energy efficiency, which is beneficial for a lower utility cost.
Limited Hot Water Supply
The amount of hot water you can use is limited. Once the hot water is depleted, you must wait for the tank to refill and reheat, which can take a significant amount of time. The system is entirely dependent on the size of its tank, and once the hot water is used up it can take 20 minutes to over an hour to replenish. This is more common if you take long showers or have multiple appliances drawing on hot water simultaneously.
Vulnerable To Leaks
Over time, a tanked water heater becomes susceptible to leaks that can cause significant damage to your home. The most common cause is corrosion of the steel tank’s interior. This occurs when the anode rod is not replaced after a certain amount of time, and the tank’s lining begins to rust, eventually leading to small cracks and pinhole leaks. This is not as much of a concern as long as proper maintenance is performed on your water heater.
Discuss your water heater options with the experts at A-Advanced Home Services
Ready to find the perfect water heater for your home? Our technicians are happy to meet with you, discuss your options, and identify any factors that might affect your installation.
To schedule your appointment, give us a call today at (888) 281-2243 or fill out our online contact form to get started!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Energy Factor (EF) on my water heater mean?
The water heater Energy Factor (EF) is a measure of the overall efficiency of the water heater. This is determined by comparing the energy in the heated water used daily to the total daily energy consumption of the water heater. The EF can be used to compare the energy efficiency of water heaters. Water heaters with higher EFs will have lower annual operating costs than comparable models with lower EFs. A higher EF signifies a more efficient model. Water heaters with high EF ratings may cost more initially, but save energy and money in the long run. Eventually, they will pay for themselves through a lifetime of energy savings.
Where is the ‘anode rod’ and what does it do?
For most water heaters, the anode rod is attached to the hot water outlet of the water heater. If you are facing the front of the water heater (where the labels are), the hot water outlet is on the left hand side. The anode rod is often referred to as a “sacrificial rod”.
Most water is rarely “pure”. It can contain oxygen, magnesium, fluoride, chlorine and suspended particles. These components, in the concentrations in your water, are usually not bad for you. However, they do contribute to the taste and smell of the water. They also impart a slight conductivity to the water. Through an electrical process called electrolysis, this conductivity will eventually (over a long period of time) cause most metal to rust or corrode. When the water is heated, this electrical process can be accelerated.
Most water heaters are made of a steel tank with a porcelain enamel (glass) lining. However, due to production and assembly methods, it is not always possible to completely cover the inside of the tank. Therefore it is important to provide metal that can be consumed by the electrical process. This is where the sacrificial anode rod comes in. By acting as a lightning rod for the corrosion process, the anode rod draws the harmful electrolytic process away from the water heater tank and focuses the corrosion on the anode rod. Water heaters need this sacrificial anode rod to ensure that the electrolysis does not affect the tanks.
Why doesn’t my old water heater make as much hot water as it used to?
The answer may be that you have sediment buildup in your tank. As water heaters age, they tend to accumulate sediment and lime deposits. If the heaters are not cleaned periodically, the sediment may rise to a level that will act as a barrier between the burner and the water, making it harder to heat. An article published in a national ASPE plumbing journal states: for every half inch of sediment on the bottom of a gas fired water heater, it requires up to 70% more fuel to heat the water.
If my water heater was in a flood, do I need to replace it?
Yes. The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recommends that any flood-damaged heating and cooling equipment be replaced, not repaired. From the AHRI website, as it pertains to water heaters:
“Whether your water heater is gas-fired, oil-fired or electric, if it was exposed to flood water, the unit should be replaced. In a gas unit, valves and controls will likely corrode. In an electric unit, the thermostat and controls will likely corrode. In both types, the insulation surrounding the unit will be contaminated and will be nearly impossible to disinfect. Additionally, the insulation would take a long time to dry, leading to corrosion of the tank from the outside.
Even if water heater components have been cleaned and the unit seems to operate properly, parts may corrode in the future. Both gas and electric water heaters have a pressure relief valve that can corrode and stick after being exposed to flood water. Therefore, be sure to replace this valve as well.”
(Taken from www.ahrinet.org)
At the suggestion of AHRI, be sure to have your inspection and replacement work performed by a qualified professional.
Can I use my water heater with a solar heating system?
With the increasing costs of energy and a desire for environmental friendliness, some customers are turning to the sun as a way to heat their domestic water. Bradford White manufactures a solar water heating storage tank for use with solar systems. This tank takes the heated water from the solar panels and uses it as a heat source instead of conventional gas, oil or electric heat sources unlike other tanks, this water heater has an electric heating element for back up on cloudy days, and when the solar system is not providing enough heat. However, it is important that you use only POTABLE (or domestic use) water in this tank.
Is a drain pan necessary?
A water heater should be placed in an area that will prevent damage to floors, ceilings, and furniture if the heater leaks. When this is not possible, a drain pan must be installed under the water heater. Since a typical drain pan doesn’t hold that much water, it must have a pipe to a drain or other outlet for the water. When installed properly, a drain pan and pipe will keep any leakage under control and protect your belongings from water damage.
What type of maintenance should I do on my water heater?
We recommend that you contact a plumbing professional to perform any maintenance or repairs to your water heater – from periodic checks on the anode rod to ensuring that all connections are secure. Recommendations for maintenance are in your water heater’s owner manual. However, there are a few things that you can do:
- Ensure that there are no sources of flammable vapors in the same area as your water heater (this includes gasoline, heating oils, lighter fluid, propane, etc.).
- Keep the top of the water heater clean. If you notice water dripping on the water heater from any piping, contact a plumbing professional to have the leak repaired.
- Keep the space around your water heater clean and free of dirt, boxes, paint cans, aerosol cans, household cleaners and trash. It is important to keep the heater accessible for proper operation and easy maintenance.