A water heater can be a pretty costly investment and one that you have to live with for the next decade or more. So when it’s time to buy one for your home or replace the old one, you must consider all the factors to make sure you make the right choice.
We’ve put together this quick guide for you to examine the pros and cons of tankless and traditional water heaters to help you make an informed purchase decision.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters are advanced options that use high-powered burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger. They deliver hot water directly to your faucets and fixtures without storing it in a tank first. Tankless water heaters are typically powered with gas or electricity.
Pros
- Saves you money in the long run.
- Longer lifespan than storage tank water heaters, typically double.
- The Consumer Reports suggest that these water heaters are 22 percent more energy efficient on average than their gas-power counterparts.
- Takes lesser space than storage tank water heater.
- You can have constant supply of hot water as they deliver 2-3 gallons of hot water per minute.
Cons
- Higher purchase and installation cost than storage tank water heaters.
- If multiple faucets and fixtures are using hot water simultaneously, a tankless water heater often fail to keep up with the demand.
What is a Tank Storage Water Heater?
A tank storage water heater is a traditional water heater with an insulated tank. The tank has the capacity to hold 30-50 gallons of water, which it heats and stores until it’s needed. Storage-tank water heaters are also powered with natural gas or electricity.
Pros
- Storage tank water heaters have lower purchased cost than tankless ones.
- Since these water heaters operate simpler than tankless varieties, they use 50% less energy.
- Due to simpler operation, the maintenance and repairs’ cost is also lower.
Cons
- With electric storage tank water heaters, you have to expect higher utility bills.
- Occupy more space than tankless water heaters.
- If you are the last one in the family to take a shower, you are likely to have a chilly experience.
- These types have a shorter lifespan and need replacement sooner than tankless water heaters.
- You have to wait 15-20 minutes for your water to become hot.
Bottom Line
Despite greater efficiency, replacing a tank water heater with a tankless can be expensive. However, if you can afford a tankless water heater, you can save more money over the long haul.
Now that you know the pros and cons of both the options, it is easier to determine which is a better option for your needs. Call us today to help you decide the type, size, and brands you can consider. We are a licensed plumber in Tracy for installation and repair of all types of water heaters.
Schedule Service with DeHart Plumbing Heating & Air Inc. Today!