Is a Tankless Hot Water Heater Right for You? A Comparative Guide
On most days, the home’s hot water heater functions perfectly and satisfies the need. However, there are days when it misses the demand by just a little bit. On those days, woe to the last person in the shower with shampoo in their hair and only cold water remaining.
The solution available from old technology used to be installing a water heater with a larger tank to meet the demand, even on those days with “more than normal” hot water needs. Tankless hot water heaters offer homeowners an option of instant and unlimited hot water for every application.
- A tanked water heater consists of a standing tank, stored in a small mechanical room or space. Pipes deliver hot water to various locations that require hot water—bathrooms, kitchen, laundry rooms, etc.
- A tankless hot water heater system consists of multiple small heaters, installed in the various locations that require hot water—bathrooms, kitchen, laundry rooms, etc. The equipment is small and heats water immediately when called for.
Here is a comparison between traditional tanked water heaters and tankless water heaters.
Tanked Hot Water Heater Pros
- Tanked water heaters are the most common method of providing hot water in homes in the U.S.
- Tanked water heaters are less expensive to purchase and install than tankless water heater systems.
- They are readily available. It is easy to find technicians who are familiar with the installation, maintenance, and repair of tanked systems.
- A properly sized tank provides sufficient hot water almost all of the time, missing the mark when hot water needs are exceptionally high.
Tanked Hot Water Heater Cons
These benefits might seem hard to surpass, but here are some negative characteristics of tanked water heaters.
- A tanked water heater must keep 40 to 50 gallons of water at the hottest temperature the home requires (between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit). A lot of energy is wasted on this task.
- Long runs of uninsulated pipes carry hot water to various locations throughout the home. The water loses heat along the way, another energy loss.
- While a tanked water heater holds 40 to 50 gallons, there are rare occasions, this is insufficient hot water for the demand.
- Tanked water heaters have a shorter useful life than tankless systems. The gap between the lifespans of each system is about 10 years.
Tankless Hot Water Heater Pros
- A tankless hot water heater provides an unlimited supply of hot water to each location.
- The hot water is immediately available—no more waiting for the hot water to arrive from the tank.
- Heating water as needed is energy-efficient, so the monthly bill for heating water is less than a tanked system.
- A tankless hot water heater will last about 10 years longer than tanked water heaters.
- The reduction in energy cost eventually pays for the increase in product and installation.
Tankless Hot Water Heater Cons
- Tankless system equipment and installation costs are higher than tanked water heaters.
- Tankless water heaters use natural gas to heat water quickly. A tankless electric water heater system is not an option.
- Tankless water heater systems can be installed in new construction and during major renovations, but it is not cost-effective to replace a tanked water heater system with a tankless system under normal circumstances.
Want Unlimited Hot Water? Explore the Benefits of a Tankless Hot Water Heater with Doctor Cool Plumbing Services
Let Doctor Cool assist with all of your tankless hot water heater questions. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional Residential League City Plumbing Maintenance Contractors assist with all of your hot water heater repair needs.