What is the Difference between Tankless and Traditional Hot Water Heaters?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a tankless water heater, including the size of your home and the type of heating system you have. Most tankless heaters can accommodate both gas and electric heating systems, although some require specific types of wiring. You should also consider your budget before making a purchase, as these units can be slightly more expensive than traditional water heaters.

When it comes to choosing a water heater, you want one that is safe and efficient. In this article, we will discuss the differences between tankless and traditional water heaters.

1: Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are a great option for those who are looking to save on energy costs. These units use far less energy than traditional water heaters, which means you’ll be able to save money on your energy bills. Additionally, tankless water heaters are often more environmentally friendly than traditional water heaters.

Traditional water heaters use a tank of hot water to provide heating for a home. They are one of the most popular types of water heater available on the market today.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, use an array of small heating elements to directly warm water as it is drawn from the source. This type of heater is often considered more efficient because it uses less energy to produce the same level of warmth. Additionally, tankless water heaters are typically quieter than traditional models, making them a good choice for households with children or roommates.

2: Traditional Water Heaters

Traditional water heaters are one of the most common types of hot water heating systems in use today. They’re usually installed outside your home, and they can provide enough hot water for an average household. However, they’ve typically been more expensive to operate than other types of water heaters.

Traditional water heaters are a big investment. Once the initial purchase is made, you can expect to spend $500-$2,000 extra each year in repairs and maintenance fees depending on the size of your tank. A new traditional water heater costs between $1,000 and $3,000 with a typical life expectancy between 10 and 15 years.

Traditional water heaters use a tank of hot water to provide heating for a home. They are one of the most popular types of water heater available on the market today. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, supply hot water as you need it and don’t require any storage.

3: Installation Costs

The average installation cost of a tankless water heater is significantly more than a traditional water heater, with an average hot water heater cost between $1,000 to $3,000. This is because they are much more efficient in how they heat water, and therefore require less energy to do so. In addition, they don’t have the same maintenance and replacement costs as traditional heaters because they don’t have a tank that can rust or leak over time.

4: Maintenance Cost

Traditional water heaters have high maintenance costs, which you’ll need to account for every year. You’ll need to inspect your heater annually and make repairs as needed, which can cost between $500 and $2,000 per year.

Tankless water heaters are a great money saving option for energy conscious homeowners. They don’t require regular maintenance, and 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 traditional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service, making them a great long-term investment.

5: Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters are a more environmentally-friendly option because they use significantly less energy than traditional water heaters. In addition, tankless water heaters often have features like automatic shut-off and timers that can help save energy when not in use, making them even more efficient.

Traditional water heaters are not eco-friendly. The hot water is produced in the boiler, which means it’s at an extremely high temperature. This means that on average, more than 50% of energy consumption is wasted, meaning it helps contribute to carbon emissions.

5: Safety Features

Tankless water heaters are becoming more and more popular each year, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they offer several advantages in comparison to traditional water heaters, but they also come equipped with a great number of safety features that make them a safe investment for any home.

Traditional water heaters are comparatively large and take up a lot of floor space. They also feature long warm-up times, which increases your risk of scalding when using hot water. Tankless water heaters are small, compact, and provide instantaneous hot water with no warm-up time. This makes them an ideal choice for homes that have limited space or in areas where children are present.

One common safety feature is a fail-safe shut-off system that will stop the heater from running if there is an issue with the plumbing. Additionally, these units often have filters that prevent debris from entering the tank, which minimizes the risk of fire.

6: Durability

A tankless water heater is an efficient, modern solution for those who want to heat their water quickly and without the hassle of storing fuel. They are typically more durable than traditional water heaters, making them a good option for long-term use.

7: Traditional Hot Water Heater Warranty

Traditional tank hot water heaters usually come with a 6-year warranty on the heater itself and 1 year of coverage for labor costs.

Most tankless water heater brands offer a 10-year warranty for the heat exchanger and a 3-5 year warranty for the remaining parts. Keep in mind that a tankless water heater system typically has a lifespan of 20 years, so you can expect it to last at least that long.

Conclusion

When you’ve decided that you are ready to purchase a water heater, you may be wondering if you should buy a tankless water heater or a more traditional one. There are a few key differences between the two types of water heaters, including the way they heat and the longevity of the product.

We hope this article helps you understand the differences and make a more informed choice about which water heater is best for you! If you are considering a tankless water heater and need to hire reputable plumbers in Atlanta GA, contact your professional plumber for plumbing services.