While they can be lowered manually a water heater uses a constant supply of energy.
Tankless water heater vs water heater tank.
Tankless heaters only turn on when water passes through them so they use less energy overall.
Many tank style heaters are also set to heat the water to temperatures that are in excess to what most people need using even more energy.
Either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water.
The doe notes that storage tank water heaters typically last 10 to 15 years while most tankless units have a life expectancy of 20 years or more.
Water heaters with tanks.
Tankless water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank.
Along with their longer lifespan tankless water heaters are known to have reduced monthly energy bills helping offset their higher purchase price.
Tankless water heaters are more compact and can heat up water as you use it.
It uses high powered burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger and deliver it directly to your faucets or shower without storing it in a tank.