The Difference Between Tankless & Standard Water Heaters
Your water heater is a crucial component of your home’s comfort system, yet it often goes unnoticed. It ensures you have warm or hot water for various activities, from laundry and dishwashing to handwashing and comfortable showers. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, you might be weighing the options between a standard water heater and a tankless model. It’s important to understand the differences and benefits of each type to determine which best suits your home’s needs.
For most people, a reliable water heater is essential – few are willing to endure cold showers, especially in the mornings. But when it’s time to replace an aging unit, the choice between a standard and a tankless water heater can be challenging. Each type has its unique advantages and drawbacks. Let’s explore the key differences to help you make an informed decision about the right water heater for your home.
How Are Standard Water Heaters And Tankless Water Heaters Similar?
The main way that standard or traditional water heaters are similar to their tankless (on-demand) counterparts comes down to the function of a water heater. As stated earlier, a water heater is responsible for ensuring that your home has access to heated water. Water heaters accomplish this by heating up your water before it gets distributed through the pipes and plumbing in your home. Both tankless and standard water heaters are worth considering, since they essentially serve the same purpose. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to both types which you can learn more about below.
What Are The Differences Between Standard And Tankless Water Heaters?
There are a few major differences that set tankless water heaters apart from traditional water heaters. For starters, one main difference is size. A standard water heater is generally bulkier and takes up more space and on average stores between 40 and 50 gallons of water. As a result, it’s possible to run out of hot water with a standard water heater but unlikely if you manage hot water usage in your home. Considering the volume of water you use daily to run your household is one way of determining which water heater is right for you.
On the other hand, a tankless water heater heats your water on demand. This means that it supplies a steady stream of hot water, but the supply is not unlimited. The water in a tankless water heater is constantly being replenished rather than being limited to the capacity of its reservoir like a standard water heater. That being said, there is a cost to pay with using a tankless water heater, as they may take longer to heat your water than a traditional water heater.
Pros and Cons of Tankless and Standard Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heater Pros
- Instant Hot Water
- Longer Lifespan (20-30 years on average)
- More economical and efficient (according to energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy-efficient than conventional storage-tank water heaters.” )
- Space Saving (compact)
- Unlikely to run out of hot water
- Available in both electric and gas models
- Longer warranties
- Ideal for smaller homes
Tankless Water Heater Cons
- Inconsistent temperatures
- Higher upfront costs
- Limited hot water supply
- Additional equipment often necessary (water softener)
- Often require retrofitting (rerouting of gas lines and added ventilation)
- Additional maintenance is often required to keep the warranty valid
Standard Water Heater Pros
- Lower upfront costs
- Lower part costs for maintenance
- Many are Energy Star certified
- Natural gas options save money year-over-year
Standard Water Heater Cons
- Size – most standard water heaters and big and bulky
- They are always on and using energy, even when you’re not home
- Shorter life expectancy
- Can run out of hot water depending on the demands of your household
Which water heater is right for me?
When it comes to figuring out which type of water heater is right for you, it’s important to examine what you want out of your water heater and what your budget is. For example, if price is your biggest concern, a standard water heater is probably the route you should take, given that in most scenarios a standard tank and installation are more budget friendly. If, on the other hand, longevity and economical factors are your biggest concern, a tankless water heater may be your best route. Tankless water heaters are also better for the environment as they expend energy less frequently in order to keep your water heated.
If you need some additional help picking the right water heater for you and your home’s needs, a professional company such as Fast Water Heater Co. can help you out. With service areas across the west coast, you’ll be able to get excellent service and recommendations whether you live in California, Washington or Oregon. For service, installation, or repairs, simply reach out to our team of professionals for a consultation today.
If you need some additional help picking the right water heater for you and your home’s needs, a professional company such as Fast Water Heater Co. can help you out. With service areas across the west coast, you’ll be able to get excellent service and recommendations whether you live in California, Washington or Oregon. For service, installation, or repairs, simply reach out to our team of professionals for a consultation today.
Fast Water Heater currently services the below areas.
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- Washington, including Water Heater Seattle, Tacoma and the South Sound and Snohomish & Skagit Counties.
- Oregon, including the greater Portland area, Vancouver and south down to Salem & Eugene.
- Bay Area, including East Bay, San Jose, Napa, Sonoma & Marin Counties, Monterrey County, Santa Cruz County and San Fransisco Water Heater.
- Southern California, including Orange County, Ventura County, San Bernadino & the Inland Empire, and Los Angeles Water Heater