Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters: What is the Difference?
Let’s face it, water heaters are not something that the average person gives much thought to. That is until they’re a homeowner and need to decide on one. Water heaters come in many shapes and sizes, but there are two basic types: traditional and tankless. You might be thinking, what’s the difference?
Tankless Water Heaters
Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters only heat water when necessary. This makes them a space-saving and energy efficient alternative for your home.
Pros
Energy Efficient – because these water heaters are on demand, they use less energy and can reduce heat loss, so they are long-term money-savers.
Space Savers – tankless water heaters are mounted to the wall, so they take up much less space than a traditional heater.
Unlimited hot water – once they are in use, tankless water heaters will keep a continuous supply of hot water flowing. So you won’t need to worry about your shower going cold.
Longer-life – tankless water heaters typically last up to twice the amount of time as traditional water heaters. They also tend to need less maintenance and fewer repairs.
Cons
Cost – though they save money in the long run, tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install.
Hot water delays – tankless heaters may take a few minutes to produce hot water, so they may not be right for everyone.
Complex installation – tankless water heaters typically require specialized venting and gas line updates.
Traditional Water Heaters
Traditional water heaters are a tried and true way of heating a home and providing hot water. They come with large tanks of pre-heated water that is ready to use.
Pros
Less expensive – traditional water heaters are less expensive to purchase and install than tankless heaters.
Immediate hot water – traditional heaters store hot water, so there’s no waiting for water to warm up. These types of tanks may be better for large homes and families that use high volumes of hot water.
Cons
Space – traditional water heaters take up much more space than tankless ones, and can be unsightly. This can be an issue if you want a finished basement.
Less Energy Efficient – constantly having to heat and reheat water leads to more energy use, less efficiency, and potentially higher energy costs.
Shorter lifespan – traditional water heaters usually last around 10–15 years, as compared to 20–30 years for tankless water heaters. They may also require more water heater repair.
Contact Goodman Plumbing for Water Heater Services!
Whether you need a water heater repair or help choosing between a traditional water heater vs. a tankless one, Goodman Plumbing has you covered. Contact our team today to learn more about our water heater services!