Living in a small home means space is always at a premium. So, it’s wise to look for appliances that don’t take up much space. However, the average water heater is a major space hog. There are some compact water heater designs available, though. Here are their pros and cons so you can decide whether one is a good option for you.
What Are Compact Water Heaters?
Generally, there are two varieties of compact water heaters. One is a short-tank, or wall-mounted, storage-tank water heater. They come in capacities ranging from 10 to 30 gallons. The other option is a tankless water heater. They don’t store preheated water; instead, they heat it on demand. As a result, they’re the most compact water heating solution available.
The Pros of Compact Water Heaters
The most obvious advantage of a compact water heater is that it frees up valuable space in your home. If you select a wall-mounted storage tank, it can give you extra floor space in exchange. A tankless water heater is always wall-mounted and typically no larger than 25 by 14 inches.
Another advantage of a compact water heater is that there’s less risk of major damage in the event of a failure. Small storage tanks hold far less water, so a tank rupture isn’t as destructive as it would be with a larger model. And tankless water heaters pose almost no risk of damage. At most, a small leak may release some water, but no more than you’d expect from any water supply line in your home.
The Cons of Compact Water Heaters
The biggest disadvantage of compact water heaters is capacity. A smaller storage tank means you run out of hot water faster. In a small home with only one or two residents, it isn’t always a problem. However, depending on demand, it can be inconvenient. And when it comes to tankless water heaters, size generally correlates to flow rate. Lower flow rates mean you can’t use hot water in as many places simultaneously.
Another disadvantage is cost. Despite being smaller, compact water heaters aren’t necessarily cheaper than standard-size models. In the case of tankless water heaters, upfront costs may actually be substantially higher than what you’d pay for an ordinary storage-tank heater.
Pros and cons aside, a compact water heater may be a perfect solution for your small home. They’re well worth considering. To find out if one is best for your home, schedule a consultation with a qualified plumber. If you live in Waukesha, WI or a surrounding area and need water heater services, make your first call to Jeff’s Custom Care.