Have you ever stopped to think about how your hot water gets, well, hot? Unless you have a tankless water heater, chances are you've got a big ol' tank full of heated water hiding away somewhere in your home.  But did you know there's an alternative that can give you hot water without the bulky storage? Let's break down the good, the bad, and the differences between tank and tankless water heaters.

The Tank System

Traditional tank water heaters have been used since the late 1800’s. Here's how they work:

• A big tank stores anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons of water (or more!).

• A heating element (gas or electric) keeps that water hot 24/7, ready to go.

• The Downsides: Even when you're not using hot water, energy is spent keeping it warm. Plus, if you have a big family or lots of house guests, you can run out of hot water mid-shower!

The Tankless System

Tankless water heaters were first invented in the 1920’s, but it took until the 1990’s for the technology to develop to a point where they were efficient and powerful enough to compete with the tank system. Here’s how they work:

• Super-powerful heating elements heat the water as it passes through the system.

• There is practically endless hot water, as long as you are connected to your water source and the system is functioning properly. These are great for big families or anyone who loves long, luxurious showers.

• Tankless heaters are energy-efficient since they're not heating water you won't use. They also take up less space in your home.

So, Which One's For You?

It depends! Here's a quick cheat sheet:

• Best for small households: Tank water heaters are usually the more budget-friendly option for homes with 1-2 people.

• Best for large households: Tankless is a good choice for larger families or folks who like endless hot water.

• Best for tight spaces: Tankless heaters are clear winners in the space department.

• Best for energy savings: Tankless usually wins out as it only heats water as you need it.

Tank to Tankless:  Thinking about a Switch?

If the idea of unlimited hot showers and saving on energy bills tickles your fancy, it might be time to consider a tankless upgrade. Here's the gist of how it's done:

1. Converting to a tankless water heater generally requires a professional (plumber or electrician depending on gas or electric).  It involves some rerouting of plumbing and possibly upgrading your electrical system if you're switching to a more powerful electric tankless model.

2. Picking the right size tankless unit is key. You don't want to get one too small, or you'll experience lukewarm letdowns. Your professional will help size the unit based on your household hot water needs.

3. Tankless heaters come in both gas and electric varieties. If your home has gas, that might be the easiest route, but even if not, they can be wired to work with your electrical system.

4. Gas tankless heaters usually need special venting to the outside of your home – something your installer will handle.

5. The upfront cost of a tankless system and installation is higher than a traditional tank heater. However, the energy savings over time can make up for the initial investment.

A Few Final Things to Ponder

• Local Regulations: Some areas have particular regulations for tankless water heaters, so do check those out before making the switch.

• Long-term Outlook: Tankless water heaters tend to have a longer lifespan than tank models.

• Maintenance: While both types need some upkeep, tankless heaters can require specialized maintenance due to their complex design.

After years in advertising and marketing, living and working for companies in Georgia, North Carolina, and China, I decided to acquire my real estate license so I can use my established marketing and communications skills to help others and work for myself.

For many people, buying and/or selling their home is one of the most important and most stressful times of their lives. Having an advocate and an agent who has experienced years of corporate marketing, managing teams through challenging projects with tight deadlines, and negotiating complex deals - will aid in the home buying or selling process.

If you or anyone you know is interested in real estate investment, a personal real estate search, or property management, please reach out to me directly - I would love to provide my services to help find your goal property as soon as possible.

David “Bo” Hardegree, NC Real Estate Broker
Espin Realty
[email protected] 
704-748-0958