When it comes to choosing a hot water heater for your home, you might be wondering how a compact storage hot water heater compares to a tankless water heater. Both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two.
The main difference between compact storage and tankless hot water heaters is the capacity of each unit. Compact storage heaters typically have small tanks with capacities ranging from 20-80 litres, whereas tankless water heaters are designed to provide an unlimited supply of hot water. This means that with a tankless heater, you won’t run out of hot water even if multiple people in your household are using it at once.
Another key difference is performance and efficiency. Compact storage units are usually more affordable than their tankless counterparts, but they tend to have lower flow rates and use more energy over time due to their need to constantly reheat stored water. On the other hand, tankless heaters provide much faster heating times, allowing you to get instant access to hot water when you turn on the tap. They also use less energy since they only heat the water when it’s needed, as opposed to constantly keeping a reserve heated as with compact storage units.
When it comes to installation, both types of hot water systems require professional installation but tankless models often require additional piping in order for them to work properly. This can increase the cost of installation significantly compared to a compact storage unit which typically only needs one pipe connection.
Finally, when it comes to maintenance both types of systems require regular servicing and maintenance in order for them to continue working properly and safely over time. However, due to its simple design and fewer parts compared with tankless models, compact storage units are generally easier and cheaper to maintain in comparison.
In conclusion, there are pros and cons associated with both types of hot water systems so it really depends on what your needs are as an Australian homeowner when deciding which type of system is best for your home. If you’re looking for an efficient system that provides an unlimited supply of hot water, then a tankless unit may be worth looking into. On the other hand if you’re looking for something cheaper upfront that still provides good value then a compact storage system may be more suitable for your needs.