Although many homeowners are making the switch to tankless water heating systems, many households can still benefit from the advantages of a traditional storage tank water heater. Installation costs are relatively inexpensive, there are minimal mechanical parts, they can provide as much hot water as you need, there is a small heating element, and they encourage frugal habits.
Most homes already use a storage tank water heater, so replacing an old model is relatively simple. The gas or electric line is already set up, as is the venting for the gas versions of these appliances. Also, because there are so few delicate mechanical parts, serious breakdowns are rare. Most maintenance is an easy fix.
There are two major benefits to having water always ready to go. For one, water will continually refill the tank, regardless of how little water is drained. This makes a storage tank water heater the ideal companion for low-flow toilets and other appliances. Furthermore, thanks to the constant ambient heat present in the stored hot water, a small electric element consuming minimal energy can be used to keep the unit at a suitable temperature. This is a good source of energy savings.
Finally, with only a limited amount of water available at any given time, a storage tank water heater helps teach children and adults alike the importance of budgeting shower length and emphasizing green behaviors that conserve resources instead of wasting them. Anyone can buy a tankless water heater and never run out of hot water again, but a sustainably minded individual knows how to use what they have without compromising quality.
If you're looking for information or advice regarding upgrading, replacing or fixing the water heating system in your house, please contact us at Russell's Heating & Cooling. We look forward to servicing your home systems and helping keep you comfortable all year long.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about storage tank water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Image courtesy of Shutterstock