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May 13, 2008
Tank, Tankless... What's the Difference?
Q: Hello Ed Del Grande, I'm a big fan of your book "House Call" but there is one question I have that you did not address in the book. What is the difference between a tankless water heater and a standard tank style water heater? Maggie (Massachussetts)
A: Thanks Maggie. I'll be glad to give you your own "special edition" chapter that you can add to your book.
Standard tank-style water heaters are usually sized in thirty, forty, fifty and even seventy-five gallon tanks for standard residential use. A modest power source such as gas, oil or electric will slowly heat the water and store the hot water in the tank until it's used and then the reheating process starts over again.
A tankless water heater does not store a large volume of water. Instead it relies on powerful gas or oil burners or electric coils to heat the water instantly as it passes through piping or chambers in the unit.
They both have their advantages and disadvantages, and choice will come down to your budget and lifestyle. Remember, this question was about the difference between tankless and standard water heaters. Cost of the units, fuel efficiency and flow rates between the two is a whole different story we have to save for another day.
Ed Del Grande, the author of Ed Del Grande's House Call, was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.Posted by Ed Del Grande at May 13, 2008 11:18 AM
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Comments
Why didn't you answer the question about tank or tankless?
With the cost of energy increasing what is better?
If you proport yourself as an expert you should explain benifits of both tank and tankless
Posted by: Pat Hughes at May 30, 2008 5:16 AM
I would like to see what are the advantiges and disadvantiges to both,
Posted by: Jim Hovis at May 30, 2008 8:52 AM
Ed-
It is now "Another Day." So WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE in the cost, fuel efficiency, flow rates, and maintenance of a tank and a tankless water heater? We have a std. water heater that needs replacing. If we make the investment for a tankless, where are there savings in the long run, or are there any?
Posted by: Lynne at May 30, 2008 1:21 PM
Aloha Ed,
There was a story on the news here in Hawaii that a house burned down and they traced it to the tankless water heater. They didn't give any further info or followup. Do you know of may instances where this has been the case? I was considering the tankless system so I wondered.
Aloha,
Keith
Posted by: Keith Pocock at May 30, 2008 8:47 PM
Ed-
I'm very disappointed in your response. You took the easy way out. The advantages and disadvantages ARE differences.
Please address these as well and soon! I'm building and need to know b/c one (comment)mentioned a fire hazard. This has not been mentioned to me by my builder. Is it a concern? I'm scared!!!
Mompac
Posted by: Mompac at June 9, 2008 1:50 AM
