Do you know the difference between the tall vs short water heater options on the market?

For people buying home appliances for the first time, buying the best water heater can be particularly tricky. You need to consider a lot of things, including the choice between the two types of conventional water heaters, namely tall heaters and short heaters.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on the two types of water heaters that’s sure to help you make a sound purchase.

Tall Water Heaters

Tall water heaters range from 18 to 21 inches in diameter and are about 46 to 60 inches tall. When it comes to storage tank capacity, tall electric water heaters can store up to 100 gallons of water. However, installing a tall water heater will require a room with sufficient space to accommodate it.

In addition to the size of the hot water heater, you also need to consider the space that the hot water pipes will occupy. The plumbing fixtures for a tall water heater can go as high as 40 inches. In case you are running short of space, an angled connection can also be used to fit the heater.

Short Water Heaters

As the name suggests, short water heaters are small and compact. They are about 20 to 26 inches in diameter and about 30 to 49 inches high, depending on the model. Short water heaters can typically store up to 50 gallons of water.

Regardless of whether you choose a tall or short model, you will still have to consider the space required for the plumbing fixtures and electrical supply connections before you install anything. For a short water heater, the plumbing connection can be as high as 32 inches.

 

 

Differences Between a Tall Water Heater and Short Water Heater

Physical differences are not the only factors that form the basis of the tall vs short water heater debate. While tall heaters are physically larger with high storage capacities, short water heaters have their own benefits as well.

To help you choose, here is a detailed differentiation between the two types of water heaters:

1. Tall Water Heaters Are Costlier Than Short Water Heaters

Since short water heaters have a lower water storage capacity and are smaller in size, the upfront cost of these heaters is also less. On the other hand, a tall water heater can store twice as much water as a short water heater, demanding a higher price. If you’re running on a tight budget, a short water heater might be a suitable choice for you.

2. Short Water Heaters Are Energy Efficient

This is a significant benefit of buying a short water heater. In comparison to tall water heaters, the short ones are almost 40% more energy efficient. Opting for appliances with higher energy efficiency ratings is always a wise choice. Low energy consumption will result in low energy costs and help you save some money.

3. Short Water Heaters Have A Higher GPM Flow Rate

Short water heaters have an underwhelming water capacity. To compensate for that, they heat quickly and get filled in no time. This is because short water heaters have a higher gallon per minute rate, which simply means that they take in more gallons of warm water per minute than tall models. If you have a busy home, a short water heater will be a helpful appliance.

How to Choose the Best Water Heater

Choosing the perfect water heater is not just about selecting the brand and model with the best features. While the features of a given model are undoubtedly important, it’s equally crucial to check the model’s compatibility with your requirements.

Here’s a list of things that you need to keep in mind before choosing the winner in the tall vs short water heater debate:

1. Available Space

A water heater that can store 100 gallons of water might seem lucrative, but it might become a burden and overcrowd your bathroom if you cannot offer ample space for the appliance. Short heaters, on the other hand, can even fit into crawl spaces.

Before you choose a water heater, it’s essential to take measurements of the room where you plan to keep it. In addition to measuring the space for the heater, you also need to leave out ample space for the plumbing pipes. In a typical family of 3 to 4 members, a small water heater should suffice.

2. Energy Consumption

Energy consumption is an important point to consider before you choose a model. Along with the initial cost of the appliance, you also need to calculate the additional operating costs that come along with it.

An energy-efficient water heater will consume less power, thereby leading to a lower annual cost of running the machine. After all, no one likes to be burdened with huge electricity bills.

Pro tip: Only opt for models with a minimum 10-year warranty.

3. Quality of the Appliance

Quality is a mandatory checkpoint for buying efficient water heaters. This is because some regions receive hard water that’s rich in calcium and magnesium. This can cause a build-up or erode the water tank and the heating elements and reduce the efficiency of the heater. However, quality appliances will have higher resistance against hard water.

4. Safety Requirements

When buying gas water heaters, one of the first things that you need to check is the pressure relief valves. These valves help relieve the pressure in case either the pressure or the water temperature inside the tank exceeds the limit. Without a safety valve, the increased pressure might cause the heater to blow up. This can cause severe injuries to you and your family.

Conclusion

Both tall and short water heaters are equally efficient in warming cold water and providing a premium performance. However, they fulfill different needs. If you want to make the most of your investment, it’s essential to understand the differences between the two types of appliances.

We hope this guide will help you make the right decision when considering the tall vs short water heater options on the market. For more such guides on water heaters, keep scrolling through waterheaterreviewssite.com.

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