A hot water tank is a critical part of any home’s plumbing system. It’s also one of the most expensive appliances in your home. So before purchasing one, it’s important to understand the different types available and their features. There are two main types of hot water tanks: conventional and electric. Each one has its own pros and cons so it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type before making a final decision on which one is right for your home:

What is a conventional hot water tank?

A conventional hot water tank is a large water storage tank located outside of your home’s plumbing system. Each day, the tank holds water heated by your central heating system and feeds water through a pipe to the faucets in your home. The size of the tank will depend on the number of people in your home and the type of plumbing in the house — for example, two people in a two-bedroom house will require a larger tank than one person in a one-bedroom home.In general, conventional hot water tanks are most commonly found in older homes. However, you can find them in any home.

What is an electric hot water tank?

As the name suggests, an electric hot water tank uses electricity to heat water. Electric hot water tanks are often used in more modern homes where there’s limited space for conventional hot water tanks and they’re also cheaper to install. An electric hot water tank is a small cylinder that heats up water in a larger water tank located outside of your home. The water in the larger tank is then pumped through a pipe to the faucets in your home.The main advantage of an electric hot water tank is that it can be installed in a smaller space than a conventional hot water tank. However, they can also be more expensive to install.

Which is better for your home?

When deciding on a hot water tank, it’s important to consider the size of your home, your water usage and the cost of installation. If you have a large home and high water usage, you may want to consider a conventional hot water tank.If you have an electric heating system, installing an electric hot water tank is the best option. They are less expensive to install than conventional hot water tanks and they won’t take up as much space in your home.

Pros of a conventional hot water tank

A conventional hot water tank has several advantages over an electric hot water tank. They are more common than electric hot water tanks, so there are more models to choose from. They also have a longer lifespan than their electric counterparts and are less expensive to install.Since the water inside a conventional hot water tank is directly exposed to the elements, it can also be used for outdoor activities like gardening and washing cars. An electric hot water tank only has water inside it when the system is running.

Cons of a conventional hot water tank

While a conventional hot water tank has many advantages, there are some disadvantages as well. They are less common than electric hot water tanks, so you may not be able to find the model that suits your home. They also have a longer lifespan than electric hot water tanks — making them more expensive to replace.

Pros of an electric hot water tank

An electric hot water tank is cheaper to install than a conventional hot water tank. They are also less expensive to maintain and can be installed in a smaller space.Since the water inside an electric hot water tank is kept separate from the elements, it can be used for both indoor and outdoor activities. You can even use it for pets if you have a small water bowl or a water fountain outside.

Cons of an electric hot water tank

As the name suggests, an electric hot water tank is directly exposed to the elements and can be more costly to replace than a conventional hot water tank.Since the water inside an electric hot water tank is kept separate from the elements, it can be used for both indoor and outdoor activities. You can even use it for pets if you have a small water bowl or a water fountain outside. While this is a pro, it also makes these types of water tanks more complicated to maintain. If you have a large family or high water usage, it may be worth the cost to upgrade to a conventional hot water tank.

Summing up

There are many factors to consider when buying a hot water tank, including where it can be installed, its size, the type of water supply it relies on and its lifespan. If you’re in the market to buy a new hot water tank, it’s important to do your research before buying. There are several different types of hot water tanks available, and it’s worth taking the time to understand what each one offers.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon hot water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)