Storage Water Heaters: Advantages And Disadvantages
If you were to list one of the most important appliances or pieces of equipment in your home, chances are your water heater would be near the top. Without it, you would not have access to warm or hot water, which is essential for those all-important tasks of keeping you, your dishes, and your clothes clean. Which is why, if your water heater is on the brink, you should get it taken care of as soon as possible. If you've recently received water heater service, the HVAC contractor may have told you it's time for a new one. If you're thinking about getting a new one, here are some advantages and disadvantages of getting a storage water heater:
Advantages of Storage Water Heaters
- The variety of Sizes Available: Traditional, or storage water heaters, come in a variety of different sizes so that you can find the right one to suit the needs of your household. They generally come in sizes that hold anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons of water.
- Installation Is Less Expensive: If you're trying to decide between a storage water heater and a tankless one, a major advantage of a storage water heater is that is costs much less to install. For example, a 50-gallon storage water heater costs $865 to install compared to up to $2,500 for one that's tankless.
- Easy to Repair and Maintain: Tankless water heaters are a bit more complex which is why storage water heaters are easier to install, repair, and maintain.
Disadvantages of Storage Water Heaters
- Space Might Be an Issue: Since storage water heaters have a tank, space might be an issue. If you live in a smaller home and need all your closets and spaces for storage and other things, a tankless water heater might be a better option.
- Has a Shorter Lifespan: Traditional storage water heaters usually last an average of 8 to 12 years. Compare this to a tankless water heater that can last up to 20 years.
- Can Be More Dangerous: Storage water heaters have been known to explode. This can happen if the minerals from your hard water begin to build up, rust is corroding your tank due to a faulty anode rod, or too much pressure builds up in the tank. For these reasons, it's vitally important to get water heater service on a regular basis.
If it is time for a new water heater, these advantages and disadvantages should help you figure out whether or not it should be a storage water heater. Check out a website like http://www.rbincorporated.com/ for more information and assistance.