Water Heater Faceoff: Traditional vs. Tankless

Without a water heater, you will have no hot water. Nobody wants to step into the shower only to discover that they are out of hot water! When it is time to replace that old worn out unit, there is going to be some decisions to be made. The most important one is whether to replace your heater with a traditional style one, or to upgrade to a newer tankless model.

Learn the differences between today’s most common models before making this all-important purchase.

<h4>The Pros & Cons of a Traditional Water Heater</h4>

If it’s been awhile since you have had to purchase a new water heater, you may be surprised at the number of choices available.  For some people, sticking with what they know is best.  A traditional style tank unit isn’t always a bad choice.  But, before you make up your mind, you will want to consider the pros and cons of this classic model:

• Pro: Insulated tank models can be very inexpensive to buy and replace.  Con: they only last about 10-15 years.
• Pro: Insulated storage tanks keep 30-50 gallons of water hot at the ready. Con: you are paying to keep the water being stored heated even when you don’t need it; and when it runs out you must wait until the tank can refill itself and heat  what’s being stored.
• Pro: Natural gas models are pretty cheap to run.  Con: electric models can cost twice as much to run as their gas counterparts.
• Pro: Most models fit well in a basement or closet. Con: traditional units cannot be stored outside.

<h4>The Pros & Cons of Tankless Water Heaters</h4>

We have all heard how efficient tankless waters heaters are to use. That may make you rethink your decision and opt to buy this more modern model. But wait, there is a lot to consider when comparing storage tank units with tankless ones:

• Pro: Tankless models give you on-demand water.  Use as much as you like.   Con:  it is true that the unit is able to heat water as it is being used thanks to the heating coils it utilizes, but most units can only disperse about 3.5 gallon of hot water per minute.
• Pro:  Tankless water heaters never run dry.  Con: while tankless water heaters do provide water as you need it, they work best when you only use one water source at a time. That means if your family wants to run two showers or even the dishwasher and a shower at the same time, you may need a second unit.
• Pro: Tankless units are more energy efficient.  In homes that use less than 40 gallons per day, the savings can add up to 35%.  Con: if you by an electric model, you may need to upgrade your home’s electric, which can be very expensive.
• Pro:  Tankless heaters last 20-30 years.  Con: this type of water heater costs much more than a traditional storage tank model.
• Pro: Tankless heaters are more compact, taking up less space and can even be installed on outside walls.

There is a lot to consider when buying a new water heater.While traditional units are cheap to buy, they don’t last as long and are not quite as energy efficient as their more modern tankless counterparts. Yet the cost of a tankless unit can sometimes make the purchase prohibitive. Plus, large families that have multi-draws on the water supply may need to purchase and install more than one unit to keep up with the home’s water demands.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding between a traditional storage tank unit and a tankless water heater. The final decision really depends on your lifestyle and your budget. Now that you know the facts, you can make the best choice for you and your family.