We all want better information to get through various purchases. And one such common query is the battle between tall vs. short water heater. Whether you’re redecorating or moving into a new home. Considering your water heating options is always a smart idea.
Your water heater needs can make or break the dynamics of your home. You need hot water for all sorts of tasks. Be it washing dishes, taking a bath or washing clothes. A guide like this will bring to light how much water you use at home.
It’s important to understand and compare all your options. This will compel you to appreciate what I have for you next!
Tall vs. Short Water Heater – What You Need to Know
Understanding the Basics
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It’s necessary to know how a water heater works. Before I can compare the various types of water heaters!
A contemporary water heater is made of a tank and the motor. The tank is what holds the water. And the motor is a heating substance that heats the water.
If you’re dealing with a traditional water heater, the water pressure builds inside the tank. While this happens, the heating element warms the water up to a specific temperature.
There are tankless and tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters heatwater on demand. They consist of a heating coil with limited water flow per minute.
A tank water heater stores heated water for quick use. The average capacity of a tank water heater for a home is 55 gallons. Storage water heaters come with a wide range of features. Such as temperature control, pressure settings, and storage.
How Does an Electric Water Heater Work
Understanding the Differences
The only factor of consideration between tall vs. short water heater is size. A tall water heater can hold up to 100 gallons of water. This makes them cylindrical in shape of about 45 to 60 inches tall.
A short water heater has a solid capacity of 30 to 50 gallons of water. That is half of what a tall water heater has to offer. In height, they go up to 39 inches tall. So, a tall water heater starts from where a short heater ends.
Types of Water Heaters
Understanding the Factors
To better pit one against the other. You need to know how useful either of them will be for you. This brings us to the factors of consideration of a tall vs. short water heater.
You Need a Tall Water Heater When:
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It will take space as big as a garage or a basement to fit in a tall heater. That’s because a tall water heater holds up to 100 gallons of water. And considering how tall and wide its tank is going to be.
Not to mention, you need proper plumbing fixtures into that space. Generally, with storage water heaters this tall the main supply pipe goes is on top of the heater. There needs to be enough space to accommodate such an extensive plumbing mechanism.
There should be about 30 to 40 inches of distance between the ceiling and heater. This is enough to manually adjust the pipe for better configuration.
With a tall water heater, you will have to spend more energy. To not only maintain its high speed but its overall maintenance and power. If you have more than 3-4 family members, a tall water heater is essential.
You Need a Short Water Heater When:
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Short water heaters are wide but short. Do you have enough crawl space inside or under the house? And what about enough room for connecting to the plumbing system of the entire house? If yes, then a short water heater can easily be configured.
The ideal place to install a short water heater is in the crawlspace of a garage or attic. Short water heaters are versatile and varied. If you live alone, you can buy a water heater with as little water capacity as 10 gallons.
A good thing about a short water heater is energy-efficiency. You get to consume less water while saving energy costs. Plus, short water heaters give you the fastest GPM count than tall water heaters.
Understanding the Installation
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Even though there is a height difference between tall and short heaters. Both need to be as close to the plumbing system for consistent water flow. Look for auxiliary areas in your home with durable and accessible plumbing configuration.
You don’t want a pipe to burst and spend the longest time trying to find it. When you could easily invest the same amount of time and money into getting the heater fixed!
Contrary to what others tell you, vertically-aligned pipes are best. It gives you the best water flow without risk of clogging or plumbing leaks.
Key Takeaway
You have a lot to think about after this. The decision to choose between tall vs. short water heater is not easy. You must think about your home’s water needs and the existing plumbing system. And whether you have enough space to accommodate a heater.
Let this guide be a wake-up call to you. So you make smarter home decisions that save you costs, in the long run. Because storage water heaters are so popular. There are newer and better products, such as gas and electric that give you the best performance.
And understanding how efficiently a water heater sustains. Not only for saving energy costs. But also for staving off maintenance troubles! Without all this information, you might as well go by just the price a water heater.
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