Traditional Water Heaters Verses Tankless Water Heaters

Whether you are looking for a new water heater or you want to replace your old one, the one question on your mind is whether you should buy a traditional or tankless model. Each one of course has its own set of advantages and disadvantages and knowing the difference between the two and the pros and cons of each should help make it easier for you to make the right choice.

Differences Between Traditional And Tankless Water Heaters

The basic difference between the two is that traditional models store and heat water in an the tank. Depending on the size of the tank, they can store from about 30 gallons to 50 gallons of water. This water is preheated and then used whenever the shower is used or when you do the dishes or the laundry. The tank then gets automatically refilled and reheated and the cycle starts again.

Tankless water heaters work quite differently. The water is not pre-heated and stored. Instead, a heat source heats the water up instantly on demand whenever you need it. The heat source used can be gas or electric.

Traditional Heaters

Pros: The first major pro of these models are that they cost much less, with some models costing as much as half the price of their tankless counterparts. Another advantage is that these are easier as well as cheaper to replace.

Cons: You will end up with a higher electricity bill as the water keeps heating irrespective of whether or not you need it. In winters especially, this could mean a marked increase in your bills. In addition, these are bigger in size so they occupy more space. They have a shorter life too.

Tankless Heaters

Pros: These models are smaller so they do not take up much space. They also have a longer shelf life of about 20 years and because the water is only heated and delivered on demand, they are more energy efficient. Higher energy efficiency means you will end up paying much lower utility bills.

Cons: The tankless models have a higher purchase price but this is offset in the long run by the lower utility bills. Also, replacement is more complex and can cost more than replacing a traditional one.

Factors To Consider

The right choice depends on the size of your family and your lifestyle. While traditional heaters may be more suitable to you if you have a tight initial budget, tankless models are a better choice for longer term savings, particularly if you have a larger family and consistently consume larger quantities of hot water.