Water Heaters- Tankless vs. Traditional

When you think of a water heater, what do you think of? Is it something big and bulky, stashed away in the basement or closet? You’re not far off from the traditional water heater image! Fortunately for us, water heaters have transformed throughout the years to become a little more spacious for typical homes today. Although most of the time we don’t think about our water heater until we’re taking a freezing cold shower, having some general knowledge about the types of water heaters out there is always good food for thought. 

There are both pros and cons to traditional water heater tanks compared to tankless when you are considering options for your home. Take a look below!

What is a Tankless Water Heater? 

As their name implies, these water heaters differ from storage tanks because they do not store water with a tank. Instead, water is heated as it is passed through the unit via a heat exchanger that increases the temperature. This method of heating water when you need it can reduce standby energy losses with a traditional storage tank. Tankless options are more of an investment compared to traditional water heaters, but efficiency tends to be higher with tankless water heaters. Based on research by Consumer Reports, gas and electric powered Tankless water heaters typically have a higher efficiency than traditional storage tanks of the same fuel type. 

Tankless Benefits:

1.) More efficient use of your internal space. No need for a tank means you have more space to work with and you can get a hot water system no matter how small  your space is.
2.)  Energy savings. Not having a tank results in saved energy when you don’t need to store gallons of water in a tank.
3.)  Heat as you go. Water is heated only when you need it and this can save you up to 30% in energy bills.
4.)  Tankless water heaters last much longer than conventional models.

What is a Traditional Water Heater?

Think back to the image that came to mind when you first started reading this blog. That’s more about what we are referring to with traditional water heaters. They have an attached tank that stores hot water. Traditional water heaters generally cost less to purchase. And installation could work out to be less expensive than other types of water heaters. These tanks store hot water for later use which is convenient.However, the main drawback of a conventional water heater is that you need space to install the water tank. They can get pretty big depending on your home’s size. And they are less efficient than other types of heaters. Plus, the water can sit in the tank leading to corrosion and rust. 

When considering your options, it’s important to factor in the needs within your home and the size of your family. Are you constantly waiting for water to reheat after someone takes a shower? A tankless might be a better option for you, hot water whenever you need it. However, if you aren’t ready to dive into a tankless just yet, traditional hot water tanks can be a more attractive option if you aren’t fighting for hot water! 

Have questions? Give us a call! Service Professor’s certified plumbers have the skills and tools necessary to resolve your water heater trouble quickly and efficiently. If your water heater is beyond repair, your technician will work with you to find the best replacement solution for your lifestyle and budget.