The Difference Between Storage and Tankless Water Heaters

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While offering higher efficiency, tankless water heaters usually don't make sense

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[](http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/energy-solutions/difference-between-storage-and-tankless-water-heaters)

There are two primary types of water heaters: storage and tankless. In this column I'll try to explain the differences between these two approaches and offer some guidance on choosing between them. (There are also "hybrid" water heaters with features of both that I'll cover in a future blog.)

### Storage water heaters

Most water heaters are _storage_ models. These are insulated tanks holding 20 to 120 gallons with either electric heating elements or gas burners. The storage tank stratifies with hot water at the top and cold incoming water at the bottom, so that as you draw off hot water (from the top), you get consistently hot water until the hot water is nearly depleted. The "first-hour rating" tells you how many gallons of hot water can be delivered in an hour.&nbsp_place_holder;

URL: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/energy-solutions/difference-between-storage-and-tankless-water-heaters