Green Remodel Forum

I am curious. Everybody's talking about tankless. Aren't the storage hot water good any more?

I think it really depends on the application. Storage hot water system can supply hot water to multiple (more than 2) uses simultaneously better than tankless systems. If there are many turning offs and ons while drawing hot water, storage system will provide hot water at a constant temperature as turning hot water off and on will also turn the tankless water heater off and on, causing bursts of cold water in between hot water. Also if the hot water system is far away from the point of use, storage system may deliver the hot water within a more tolerable delay time.

Storage systems are easier to install as replacement to another storage system. Tankless systems may require a different flue and bigger gas line.

Tankless systems are good for other applications. See posts: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=15

How are tankless and tank hot water different in price? Is tankless more expensive?

Tankless is more expensive. Install tank hot water is easier. All you have to do is to
replacement another tank hot water and nothing else. To install tankless you need a different flue and bigger gas line, more work, more money.

I would say tank-less water heaters are less efficient and require more energy. If you are looking to cut energy costs down you are better of sticking with what you have till it breaks down. Refitting all of your gas lines and setting new plumbing for heating can be expensive and take some time.

So which one is better after considering all the factors tankless or tank hot water?

I would say storage hot water is better. All you have to do is to replace a new hot water tank and nothing else. The new hot water tank has build-in insulation to prevent heat loss. It cost you less than a thousand dollars installed. The most recent more energy efficient hot water tank are made smaller with a bigger burner. When you draw hot water from the tank the burner can quickly heat up the incoming cold water. The smaller tank holds less hot water so that you have less heat loss.

For tankless, first of all, it costs more (average $4000 installed, depends on the size) for the unit and more to install plus the add on describe above. You have to keep it maintained every year or else the manufacturer can void your warranty. That yearly maintenance costs you around $150. Unless you have the unit installed in the middle of the house (attic), you will have to wait longer to get hot water because it heats the water after you turn on for hot water.

Hot water tanks may have a built-in gas or oil burner system, or electric immersion heaters, or may use an external heat exchanger to heat water from another energy source such as district heating, wood-burning stove, or a district heating system.

Some people call the tankless instant or on demand hot water. It's not really instant or you get hot water when you demand it. It really means there is no hot water sitting in a tank waiting for you. You turn on the faucet the hot water is being heat up. There is a delay of about 16 seconds. If you don't mind the delay it's ok. Tankless are more suitable for smaller houses. Install it in the middle of the house and you'll be fine. If you have A bigger house, you may need to install 2 or 3 tankless if you don't want the delay.

Storage Hot Water is one of the development that will require a good establishment to keep it much updated on detailed information on the proper views.