Water heaters are an indispensable part of our lives. This is a fact that becomes blatantly apparent when you’re all soaped up in the middle of your shower, and the water suddenly turns freezing cold.
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When it is time to replace the water heater, there are some significant factors that you need to consider before making your selection. One of the biggest things to think about is whether to get a tankless or traditional water heater.
Both water heater types offer various advantages and disadvantages. A closer look at both will help you make a decision.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters offer on-demand hot water supply because they heat the water as it is needed. This is the main reason why many people opt for tankless water heaters. Something to consider, however, is that because a tankless water heater heats the water as it passes through, the water heater’s ability to produce hot water is dependent on how fast it can flow through the system. If you’re running multiple hot-water-using appliances at the same time, your tankless water heater may not be able to keep up.
Another reason why tankless water heaters are popular is because they do not consume a lot of space at home. They come in compact forms and have custom sizes that are well suited for various needs. One thing that is good about these water heaters is that they are smaller compared to traditional ones. That means that they can be installed in almost any space in your house.
Tankless water heaters can also be more cost and energy efficient in the long run. They can lower costs and consume less power by approximately 40 percent. They also have twice the lifespan of any conventional water heaters currently on the market.
On the downside of tankless water heaters, they do consume far more electricity. Homeowners may also be required to modify and upgrade electric circuits to something suited for this kind of water heater. Retro-fitting for tankless water heaters demands higher upfront costs because replacing a traditional water heater with a new tankless model is rather complex and results in higher installation expenses.
Traditional Water Heaters With Tanks
Traditional water heaters with tanks are available anywhere and can be purchased online. They are less expensive and come with minimal upfront cost. Your installation bill will also be lower because they are fairly standard and easy to install.
One of the biggest disadvantages of conventional water heaters is that water supply isn’t always guaranteed. Once all of the hot water stored in the tanks has been used up, you’ll have to wait for a fresh batch to get heated up.
Traditional tank water heaters are also much larger than tankless water heaters, so they require more space. This limits the areas around your home where the tank can be installed. They also have a shorter lifespan, so you will need to change your water tank every eight to 12 years.
So Which One Should You Buy?
The long and short answer is, there isn’t a one-water-heater-fits-all solution. Depending on how many people live in your home, your house’s age, the amount of electricity required, any retrofitting needed, and several other factors, a tank or tankless water heater may be better for your home. Make sure to do your research as it relates to your specific needs, and talk with a certified plumber or electrician before making a final decision.