If your water heater has been acting up or you’ve been taking five-minute long freezing cold showers because it doesn’t appear to be working at all, you’re likely thinking of replacing it soon. Before you rush into buying a new one, though, you should take a minute to mull the purchase over to make sure you’re making the right choice. At Advantage Plumbing, we’ve seen it all when it comes to hot water heaters so we’ve compiled a pros and cons list to help you out. Continue reading to find out which might be most suitable hot water heater for your use.

Conventional, Standard Tank Water Heater

This is the type of water heater that you will find in the majority of homes in the United States, including the Nashville areas of Nashboro Village, Mount Juliet and Franklin. They’re most easily identifiable by the large cylindrical tank and are usually located in an out of the way location like the garage or a storage area. They work by storing and continuously heating water in a tank.

Pros: Conventional water heaters will typically provide a long stream of hot water before going cold, especially if it’s one with a larger tank. Additionally, since these types of water heaters are so widespread, having them repaired, installed or replaced can cost significantly less than other specialized heaters depending on the plumber you hire.

Cons: The definite con when it comes to standard tank water heaters is that since they’re constantly running to keep water heated, you can end up paying substantially more on your electricity bill.

Tankless Hot Water Heater

Gas and electric tankless water heaters have been growing in popularity for a few reasons. As the name implies, these water heaters work without storing water. Since there is no stored water, the heating happens on demand as users in the house turn up the heat on faucets, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.

Pros: There are many benefits to tankless water heaters, which explains their rise in popularity. Since tankless units heat water as needed, energy costs are usually be lower than compared to other types of heaters. These will also provide a limitless supply of hot water and their smaller size means they can be installed and “hidden” in more locations of a property.

Cons: Generally, tankless hot water heaters are more costly to install than other kinds. Additionally, homes that have a large demand for hot water may have to install a second heater to support simultaneously running faucets or shower spouts that require heated water.

Hybrid Heat Pump Hot Water Heater

Like traditional water heaters, hybrid heat pump water heaters have a tank to store water for use. However, instead of a relying entirely on heating the water with flame or normal electric heat coils, they use a new evaporator and compressor combination technology that pulls warmth from the surrounding air and heats the water through condenser coils that cover the tank.

Pros: Hybrid heat pump water heaters are beneficial in that they provide immediate hot water when a faucet or appliance is turned on. They have also been found to be more energy efficient than both standard tank and tankless water heaters, which makes them an exceptional choice for long-run savings. Additionally, although these use a new technology, they can often use the existing electric and water connections that a house already has.

Cons: Like standard water heaters, the tank on a heat pump water heater means there’s a (albeit small) chance that hot water can run out during heavy use. The initial purchase tends to be more expensive and installation can be more complicated for non-experienced plumbers.

Ready to install a new water heater in your Nashville home? Whether you already have your mind made up or want to know more about which hot water heater is right for you, give Advantage Plumbing a call at (615) 781-1239 or send us a message for more information or a FREE service quote.