In the market for a new water heater?
With the different types, you may have trouble choosing the best one for your home. After all, a water heater is something you’ll be using for years to come.
Let’s look at the differences between traditional and tankless water heaters and the pros and cons of each.
What’s The Difference Between A Tankless And A Traditional Water Heater?
There is a significant difference between tankless and traditional water heaters:
Tankless water heaters don’t store water. Instead, they use electricity or gas to heat the water as needed. This goes on an “on-demand” system and only heats the water that you will be using.
Tankless Water Heaters
Pros
- Space Saver. If you have limited space or are trying to free up space in your home these are a great option because they don’t have bulky tanks and can fit in smaller spaces.
- Prolonged Hot Water. Tankless water heaters only heat the water you’re using so that will allow you to have hot water for as long as is needed without the water running cold.
- Energy Efficiency. Compared to traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters are 24%-34% more energy-efficient. This is as long as you use up to 41 gallons of water a day.
- Saves Money. If you’re living in an area where energy costs are higher, you can expect to save money on your energy bill with a tankless heater. This is due to it using less energy to function by only heating the water you’re using,
Cons
- Unit Cost & Upfront Cost. Electrical units range from $500-$1,500 and propane or natural gas units can be between $1,000-$1,500. But keep in mind that because this type of unit has a long lifespan and is more energy efficient it will pay for itself in just a few years.
- Restricted Hot Water When Using More Than One Appliance. If you’re trying to run your washing machine, dishwasher, and shower all at the same time, the hot water will fluctuate more frequently since only a limited amount of water can be heated at one time. If more than one unit is installed or less water is used, this may be avoided.
- Power Dependent. Since these types of units need electricity to run (even if they are gas-powered) if there is a power outage you won’t be able to receive hot water. If you live in an area that is prone to power outages this may not be the unit for you.
Traditional Water Heaters
Pros
- Easy Replacement. Traditional water heaters are easier for plumbers to replace than tankless heaters.
- Increased Hot Water Flow. Since these types of water heaters have a large water storage tank, water will be ready when you need it and will be able to flow to multiple appliances without losing the heat.
- Cost of Installation. Installation costs are roughly half compared to a tankless water heater. This is because homes come already equipped with the necessary plumbing to install these types of water heaters.
Cons
- Shorter Lifespan. These kinds of water heaters usually only last 10-15 years before they need to be replaced whereas tankless water heaters have a much longer service life.
- Take Up A Lot of Space. These are large, bulky water heaters and will need to be placed inside a covered room. So if you have a small area you live in, this may not be ideal.
- More Energy Consumption. Traditional water heaters have to constantly reheat the water to the pre-set thermostat setting. So if you’re not using the hot water at the time, it will still be expending energy to keep the water hot.
While there are benefits and pain points to each kind of water heater, it really depends on what will work best for your home. If you’re considering a new tankless or traditional water heater, keep in mind the pros and cons of each.
The team at Adeedo can help you make the right decision and investment for your home. Give us a call today for a consultation!