Water heaters are an essential part of any commercial property, providing hot water for everything from handwashing to cooking and cleaning. When it’s time to replace your existing water heater or install a new one, you’ll have to decide whether to go with a traditional tank-style unit or a tankless model. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to determine which one is best for your specific needs.
Tank Water Heater
Tank water heaters are the most common/traditional type of water heater for commercial properties. As the name suggests, these units have a large tank that holds and heats a certain amount of water, which is then distributed throughout the property as needed. Here are some of the pros and cons of tank water heaters:
Pros
- Lower upfront cost: Tank water heaters are typically less expensive to purchase and install than tankless units.
- Simpler installation: Since tank water heaters are a more traditional option, they’re often easier to install and service than newer, high-tech tankless models.
- Consistent hot water supply: With a correct size tank water heater, you’ll always have a ready supply of hot water on hand, since the tank is constantly heating and storing water.
Cons
- Higher energy costs: Since tank water heaters are constantly heating water, they can be less energy-efficient than tankless models, especially if your property has high hot water usage.
- Limited hot water supply: If your property experiences high hot water demand, you may run out of hot water before the tank has a chance to fully refill and reheat.
- Bulky and space-consuming: Space is often a deciding factor for smaller commercial spaces. Since tank water heaters require a large tank to store water, they can take up a lot of space and may not be ideal for your business needs.
Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, don’t have a storage tank. Instead, they use high-powered burners to rapidly heat water as it passes through the unit, providing hot water on demand. Here are some of the pros and cons of tankless water heaters:
Pros
- Lower energy costs: Since tankless water heaters only heat water when it’s needed, they can be more energy-efficient than tank models, especially for properties with low to moderate hot water usage.
- Unlimited hot water supply: With a tankless water heater, you’ll never run out of hot water, since the unit heats water on demand as it’s needed.
- Space-saving design: Tankless water heaters are smaller and more compact than tank models, making them ideal for smaller commercial properties with limited space.
Cons
- Higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters are generally more expensive to purchase and install than tank models, due to their high-tech design and installation requirements. However, long term energy cost savings could often make tankless a more cost effective option.
- Complex installation and maintenance: Since tankless water heaters are more advanced than tank models, they require a higher level of expertise to install and service. We fully screen all our technicians for reputation, licensing and certifications and experience level to provide only the top quality service to all of our clients.
- Hot water flow rate limitations: If your property has high hot water demand, you may need multiple tankless units to keep up, or you may experience reduced water flow and pressure.
When it comes down to it, the choice between tank and tankless water heaters depends on your specific needs and usage patterns. If your property has high hot water demand and plenty of space, a tank water heater may be the best choice. If you’re looking to save on energy costs and space, and your property has lower hot water demand, a tankless water heater may be the way to go. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional to determine the best option for your specific commercial property.
Empower Consultants are here to answer all your Commercial Water Heating questions and provide the best solution for your needs. Call 1-866-994-4767 today to get a Free Estimate!
