Oak Ridge Utility District

Types of Water Heaters

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are an efficient, convenient, long-lasting alternative to traditional tanked water heaters. Heating elements inside of tankless heaters enable you to enjoy an endless supply of hot water, without having to wait for water to be piped across the house. Tankless heaters are energy efficient, only generating hot water when you need it, for as long as you need it. The investment reduces fuel costs by 27 to 50% and lasts longer, saving you money in the long run. There is no risk of tank failure and catastrophic leaks caused by sediment build-up in the tank. The compact, safe, easy to winterize heaters last seven to 10 years for electric units and over 20 years for gas-burning tankless heaters.

Tanked Water Heaters

Tanked water heaters are more affordable, in terms of initial cost. To reduce operating costs and standby heat loss, insulated options are recommended. Storage tank models can hold between 20 and 80 gallons of water, and can be the more cost effective option depending on the household’s hot water usage. Tanked water heaters operate by filling to capacity with water, heating the water in a reservoir using your home’s fuel source and releasing the hot water from the top of the tank once the hot water tap is turned on. The process contributes to standby heat loss and long showers, several people showering at once, or use of multiple hot water appliances can cause the tank to run out of hot water.