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Whether you’re opting for a traditional water heater or a tankless water heater, they’ll both get you the hot water you desire, but the devil is in the details. Learn more about the differences between these models to see which option will be best suited for your home and lifestyle!
What’s the Difference Between Tankless and Traditional Water Heaters?
Tankless water heaters are also sometimes referred to as on-demand water heaters because they use high powered sources to heat water as it runs through the heating mechanism quickly. The water is then delivered directly to your faucet or shower without being stored inside of a tank.
On the other hand, traditional water heaters heat water and keep it stored inside of an insulated tank until the water is needed. Most residential water heater tanks hold between 30 and 50 gallons of water. Additionally, traditional water heaters are usually powered by natural gas or electricity, with the natural gas models operating more efficiently.
Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have a much higher initial cost, including the price of the unit and the price of installation. However, they make up in part for their high initial cost in energy savings. It was found that tankless water heaters are around 22 percent more energy efficient than the average model. They also last nearly twice as long as a traditional tank water heater.
Pros and Cons of Traditional Water Heaters
One significant advantage of a traditional water heater is its low initial cost. The units themselves are much less expensive (around $500), and the install usually costs less as well. Maintenance and repairs are also less costly for tank models because they are engineered more simplistically.
On the downside, tank water heaters are less efficient than a tankless model because they always keep the tank of water warmed to the set temperature, regardless of your actual needs. In addition, there is a set amount of hot water within the tank, so if you’re the fifth person to take a shower in the morning, you likely will not have any hot water.
The best way to determine which model is best for you is to have a professional inspect your home and see which model will fit your lifestyle and needs.
If you have questions about which route to go when it comes to installing your new water heater, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at The Plumbing Authority. We would be happy to assist you in all of your plumbing decisions. Additionally, we have several coupons on our website for both standard water heater installs and tankless installs, so check out our website to see all of the ways you can save!