When it comes to building your new home or renovating an old one, an aspect that people often take for granted is their hot water units. Hot water units are an essential component in modern life that is vital in everything from washing the dishes to having a shower. With that being said, many people don't even realise that there are two distinct categories of hot water units. If you are considering updating your home and don't know which type to choose from, then here is a brief rundown of the pros and cons of both options so you can make an informed choice.
Storage Tank Hot Water Systems
Storage hot water systems were more popular back in the day when technology was still in its infancy when it came to hot water heating. Simply put, you have a large tank of water that is continuously kept at a hot temperature and then this is dispersed to the areas of the house when needed. This means you get instant hot water with no delay as you might get with some tankless systems, but it also means the water can get tempered with rust if the tank is very old and starting to decay. To add onto this, storage tank hot water systems are far more expensive to install and maintain, while also taking up a lot more space.
Instant Hot Water Systems
Instant hot water units are compact, cheaper to install and can heat just as much water as storage tanks, just over a longer period. These units work by heating water as needed, rather than preheating a large tank full of water. When you turn your hot water on you may experience a short delay of 1-5 seconds while the water is heated up, but that is the only real downside to these units. Otherwise, they work very efficiently, have a longer lifespan (especially modern units) and are often better for the environment, too.
Which One Should I Get?
Storage hot water systems are falling out of fashion quickly, and in this case, it is for a good reason. They simply cannot compete with the modern technology that is present in newer hot water units, which is why so many people are making the change in older homes. Perhaps the only reason one would choose a hot water storage tank is for nostalgic purposes. In every other situation, however, you should go with a modern hot water unit that falls under the instant hot water umbrella.
