Tankless Water Heater vs. Traditional
If you’ve had your water heater for more than ten years, you may have a decision to make as a homeowner. It’s time to upgrade — but should you get a tankless water heater or stick with a traditional tank system? And what difference does it make?
In simple terms, a traditional water heater stores and heats a large tank of water, while a tankless water heater heats water on demand. In this article, we’ll address the five major differences between these systems that impact home comfort, budget, and long-term savings.
What Are the Differences?
Energy Efficiency & Operational Costs
A tankless model works by triggering a water flow sensor that turns on a powerful gas burner or electric element. Cold water absorbs intense heat, reaching the target temperature within seconds. The heating element shuts off when the faucet is closed, eliminating any standby energy loss.
With a tank model, water is kept at a constant temperature inside an insulated cylinder. This means it runs constantly to ensure hot water is available at any moment, while tankless models use energy only when activated. Tankless systems are more energy-efficient and take up less space but require more professional upkeep.
Hot Water Supply & Delivery
A traditional tank system is limited by the amount of water it can store at one time, typically around 40-50 gallons. After this supply is depleted, the tank must fill up again with cold water to be heated. This process can take up to an hour, causing a mandatory standby period until hot water is available again. Since a tankless system does not keep water in a reservoir, hot water will flow as long as power is supplied.
Initial Purchase & Installation Costs
A traditional heating system can cost less upfront and less to install, but a tankless system offers long-term energy savings.
Space Requirements & Physical Footprint
Tankless units are more compact and can be wall mounted. This frees up floor space in garages, basements, and other typical installation sites. Since traditional systems require a large tank of water, the structures are floor-standing and require several square feet of room.
Water Heater Warranties
Warranty coverage is another important difference to consider when comparing tank and tankless water heaters. While warranties will vary by make and model, tankless water heaters usually come with longer warranties than traditional systems. In many cases, a tankless water heater may offer around twice the warranty period of a standard tank water heater.
Lifespan & Ongoing Maintenance
The average expected service life of a tankless system can be up to 20+ years, while a traditional tank lifespan is 8-12 years. Since a tankless system only heats water on demand, its components experience less wear and tear. Tankless systems will require annual descaling or flushing by a plumbing professional to maintain peak working conditions. Traditional units benefit from more periodic flushing and inspections.
Which Option is Right for Your Home?
The best system for your home depends on a number of factors. If you have a lower budget and plan to move in 5-10 years, a traditional tank system could be the best fit. If you have a higher upfront budget and plan to stay in your home for 10+ years, a tankless unit could be worth the investment.
Lawson’s team of plumbing professionals has expertise and experience with both systems, and we’re ready to provide installation and maintenance at any time of the year.
Ready to take the next step in upgrading your home? Contact Lawson Air Conditioning & Plumbing experts for professional advice or installation services by clicking here, or call us at (770)536-2301.