Traditional Water Heaters Versus Tankless Water Heaters

When you are looking to install a new water heater in your home, whether your current one has stopped working or it is just time to replace it, you will be faced with a variety of decisions. Perhaps the most important of these decisions is whether you want to install a traditional water heater with a tank or a newer tankless water heater.

There are many factors to consider in this decision-making process. Get to know more about your options between a traditional water heater and a tankless water heater. Then, you can be sure that you make the best selection for your home.

Initial Cost

One of the factors that you will want to consider when you are deciding between a traditional and a tankless water heater is the initial cost of installation. If you are on a strict budget, this can be a deciding factor in which option you choose.

When it comes to the initial costs, a traditional water heater is going to be your cheaper option. The main reason for this is that your home likely already has a traditional water heater and is already set up for one. This saves on installation and labor costs. However, the initial costs of your water heater should not be your only deciding factor.

Project Complexity

When it comes to project complexity, a traditional water heater is simpler to install. Your home is already set up for it and it is simply a matter of swapping out one tank system for another. Transitioning to a tankless water heater can be slightly more complicated.

However, if your water heater is in a tight space or you have a small home, installing a tankless water heater just might be easier. Tankless systems are significantly smaller than tank systems and can save a great deal of space in comparison. They are much easier to install in tight spaces or small homes than a traditional option for that reason.

Amount of Hot Water

Another factor to consider when choosing the right water heater for your home is the amount of hot water you will be getting from the water heater. Traditional water heater systems have a tank that holds the hot water available for the home. When hot water is used, more water needs to be added to the tank and then heated to serve the home.

Of course, if you have a traditional water heater system, you know that sometimes the hot water in the tank can run out entirely, leaving you with an ice cold shower or bath. A tankless water heater system works differently. It is an on-demand system, which means the water is heated as needed in the house. This means that you will never completely run out of hot water with a tankless system.

If you have a home with a large family or have just generally had issues with running out of hot water, a tankless system may be the way to go in your home. You will save yourself discomfort and frustration.

Longevity

When you are making a major purchase like buying a water heater, the longevity of the item you purchased should be an important factor in the decision-making process. The longevity of your water heater system will vary between specific makes and models.

In general, a tankless system will last about twice as long as a traditional water heater. This difference in longevity can make up for the initial cost differential, as you will not need to replace a tankless water heater as often as you would replace a traditional water heater.  

Energy Bills

If you are looking to save money on your energy bills, then you will want to look at tankless water heater systems. In comparison to traditional systems, you will save anywhere from 8 to 34 percent on your energy bills, depending on how much water you use in your home daily. This can amount to hundreds of dollars in savings every year.

Now that you know the important factors to consider when deciding between a traditional water heater and a tankless water heater, you can make the right decision for your home. Contact a plumber as soon as possible to learn more about what is best for your particular home needs and to get your new water heater installed.