Understanding the Differences Between Conventional and Tankless Water Heaters

For anyone thinking about upgrading their water heater, price and effectiveness will be  important factors in their decision. However, to make a well-informed choice, homeowners should bear other features in mind. Both conventional and tankless water heaters have pros and cons, and the final choice will depend on the buyer’s individual needs.

HOW DO DIFFERENT WATER HEATER TYPES WORK?

Traditional heaters have a specific size tank, usually 30 or 50 gallons, where water preheated by a coil or burner is stored. The heater refills and reheats the water once it’s depleted.

Tankless heaters don’t contain water storage. Instead, they heat the water on-demand only when needed. The heating method is similar to the traditional variety and involves an electric element or a burner.

THE FINANCIAL ASPECT

Conventional heaters are initially less expensive both to purchase and install. They can also be replaced at a lower cost since installation is relatively straightforward. On average, a conventional water heater will last about ten years. However, the way they operate, always reheating the stored water, produces higher utility bills. The higher costs are particularly noticeable during winter.

Tankless heaters can be expensive initially, since the installation is somewhat complicated and typically costs more than a conventional water heater. In the long run, though, a tankless heater will pay off through lower utility costs because it only heats when warm water is needed. With an average lifetime of two decades, tankless water heaters need replacing less often.

A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE

Conventional water heaters have several pitfalls regarding convenience. Their size is a limiting factor because the tank takes up space. Although the heater’s easy to install, finding the right place for it might be challenging.

Another inconvenient factor of a conventional heater is that there is a limited amount of hot water available.  When the hot water is depleted, it will take time for the tank to refill and reheat water. While this can be alleviated by purchasing a larger capacity heater, it is often  unavoidable, especially with heavy use.

When it comes to maintenance, the tanks in a conventional water heater are prone to deterioration due to mineral buildup, which is why they only last for an average of ten years. They also only come with a 6-year warranty.

However, since they don’t store water, tankless heaters don’t deteriorate as quickly, are smaller, and can be installed in a variety of places. They can even be installed outside. Tankless heaters supply hot water instantaneously, and they have the advantage of never running out. 

Due to the modern, efficient design, tankless heaters are long-lasting and don’t require much upkeep. Their warranties can run ten or more years.

MAKING THE BEST CHOICE

In most regards, tankless water heaters are the better option for everyone who can afford the initial expense. Those with a tighter budget who don’t mind replacing the heater more often might opt for the traditional variety.

Whichever a homeowner chooses, replacing any water heater should be done by a plumbing professional.

Evenflow Home and Commercial Services offer residential and commercial electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services in San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and surrounding cities. Call us at 210-941-3503 today!