As you know a new water heater is an investment that you make in your home. Picking which kind is best for your home is essential. In order to make the right decision for your home’s needs you’ll want to understand how each type works and their benefits.

Today, you’ll learn all of the pros and cons of tankless and traditional water heaters.

What's The Difference Between A Tankless And A Traditional Water Heater?

There are big differences between traditional and tankless water heaters. They also each have their own negatives and positives.

Traditional water heaters are best known for being the common water heater unit in homes. They have a water storage tank that can hold and heat 30-50 gallons of water. First, the water heater will pre-heat these gallons of water so that when you are ready to use it, it’s already hot. Once the hot water runs out it will preheat another 30-50 gallons.

Tankless water heaters are different in the way that they don’t store water and only heat the water you are currently using. This creates an “on-demand” process for hot water.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters

If you’re trying to decide between a tankless and traditional water heater, a list of pros and cons can help you make your choice.

Traditional Water Heater

Pros

• Installation Cost. Because your home’s plumbing system is already set up for this kind of water heater the process will be much easier and cheaper. You can expect to pay about half as much for the installation compared to a tankless water heater. This can help you save money upfront.
• Increased Hot Water Flow. Because your water will be preheated before you go to use it you’ll notice an increased flow of hot water that doesn’t run cold quickly. This is great if you are someone who likes to wash the dishes while your washing machine is running as well.
• Easy Replacement. When a problem arises with your water heater, having a traditional unit can make replacements and repairs easier. This is because parts are more accessible for plumbers.

Cons

• Short Lifespan. The typical lifespan of a traditional water heater is 10-15 years which is less than that of a tankless water heater.
• Takes Up More Space. Since these water heaters have a large water storage container, they take up more space in the home. This can make them difficult for small areas. They also will need to be under a covered port in a closet.
• Uses More Energy. Your thermostat will have a pre-set setting on your water heater. This is the temperature that your water heater will keep your water at. Due to it always running and cycling through the heating process, more energy will be used.

Tankless water heater    

• Prolonged Hot Water. You will notice that your water stays hot for a longer amount of time with a tankless water heater. This is due to it only heating the amount of water that you are using.
• Saves Space. Because there is no large water tank on these units, they are ideal if you are trying to maximize space in your home or have a small area to work with.
• Energy Efficient. These units do not heat water when it’s not being used. It only heats the amount that you need which makes them very energy efficient. You can save as much as 24%-34% more energy when you use up to 41 gallons of water per day.
• Saves Money. Since these units are energy efficient, your energy bill will decrease and you’ll save money. This can be a great perk if you live in an area that has high energy costs.

Cons

• Electric Dependent. These types of water heaters require electricity to heat the water, even if your home uses propane or gas for power. If you live in an area that has frequent power outages this can cause you to not have hot water.
• Unit & Upfront Cost. The installation of tankless water heaters tend to cost more due to the complex nature of the installation process. They also cost more than traditional water heaters. The price for tankless heaters ranges from $500-$1,500 for the unit. This number is dependent on which power source your home uses. Keep in mind that even though the upfront costs are high, this unit will pay for itself within three years of use due to its energy efficiency.
• Limited Usage. Running multiple appliances at one time may cause fluctuations in your hot water. This is because only the water you are using is heated and it may be leaving the heater too quickly. If you install a second unit or only use one appliance your water should stay hot.

 

Keep in mind this list of pros and cons for traditional and tankless water heaters. It will help you to make the decision on which is best for your home.

The Proskill team can help you work out which unit is best for your needs and provide you with an easy installation. Give us a call today for a consultation!