Deciding Between a Tankless and Traditional Hot Water Heater

Hot water is an essential part of our daily lives, allowing us to take a hot shower or wash laundry. If you’re in the market for a new hot water heater for your Weatherford, TX home, you may be debating between a tankless model and a traditional version. Both options have their pros and cons, which we will discuss in this helpful guide. Our considerations will include your budget, hot water needs, installation space, and maintenance. 

Traditional Water Heater Considerations

A traditional water heater stores and continuously heats a specific amount of water. You can find tanks that are anywhere from 40 to 80 gallons or more. Cold water enters the system and is heated using gas or electric heating elements. As you use hot water throughout your home, more water will enter the system, and the process repeats. Even if you’re not using hot water, your system will run periodically to retain water temperature. This is one of the reasons people find this option to be inefficient. 

If you choose a traditional water heater, the initial investment is lower than a tankless model. They are simple and don’t require extensive installation or costly repairs. However, you can run out of hot water, especially if multiple people in your home are trying to access hot water at the same time. Also, you must accommodate the size of your tank, which can be difficult if you have a small home.

Tankless Hot Water Heater Considerations

A tankless water heater is also known as an on-demand hot water system. It’s becoming more popular these days thanks to its space-saving design and ongoing supply of hot water. When you turn on a fixture somewhere in your home, cold water flows through your tankless heating system and is immediately warmed by a heat exchanger. Access at your faucet or fixture is nearly instantaneous. There’s no need for a bulky tank, and you can save energy by not maintaining water in a storage tank. 

You need to ensure that the size of your tankless water heater is adequate. Otherwise, you could still be faced with inefficiencies or equipment strain. Expect a slightly higher initial investment, but the long-term savings are impressive. You can also expect a longer lifespan for your unit by about five years or more. 

Considering the Cost of a Hot Water Heater

Most homeowners have a budget in mind when shopping for a new water heater. Cost may impact whether you choose a tankless or traditional water heater. The cost of a traditional water heater usually runs between $300 and $2,000, depending on the size of the tank, different features included and brand. The installation is straightforward, especially if you’re not changing the power source of the unit. 

Tankless water heaters can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on their flow rate and whether they use gas or electricity. The installation process may be a bit more complicated, especially if you’re switching from a traditional model to a tankless variety. Initial investment in a tankless water heater is higher than a traditional model, but tankless models often save 24% to 34% more energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  

Expected Equipment Lifespan

A traditional water heater will usually last between 10 and 15 years when regular inspections and maintenance are utilized. These units will experience a buildup of mineral deposits and sediment over time, requiring periodic draining and flushing. 

A tankless hot water heater can last more than 20 years with regular upkeep. You will need to have them descaled periodically, especially if you live in an area that has hard water. 

Protecting the Environment and Energy Efficiency

If you choose a tankless hot water heater, you can expect to use less energy daily compared to a tank-based model. This reduces your home’s environmental impact, especially if you live in a residence that has high hot water demands. You can also boost the efficiency of your water heater by investing in an electric version. 

Review the ENERGY STAR rating for a water heater that you’re considering. This information provides you with insight into how much it will cost to run that unit each year. 

Hot Water Heater Installation

The installation of your new water heater may impact which version you choose. A traditional water heater installs simply onto your existing plumbing system and requires minimal modifications. However, you will need to accommodate a storage tank. Most homeowners choose their basement or utility room for this installation. 

If you have a tankless water heater installed for the first time, this can increase the complexity of this process. Gas models require additional venting to ensure safe operation. You may need to have your home’s electrical capacity upgraded to accommodate this equipment. This may be expensive if you live in an older home. However, you don’t have to worry about the location of a storage tank. A tankless system requires only a small spot on the wall, freeing up valuable floor space. 

Equipment Size and Flow Rate

Regardless of which option you choose, the size and capacity of your water heater are something you’ll need to consider. Our team can help you choose a unit based on the number of people in your home and how much hot water you use regularly. 

If you want a traditional water heater, a tank that is approximately 40 gallons is appropriate for a household size of three to four people. Larger households benefit from a tank that is 60 gallons or more. You may need a larger tank if you have high hot water demands at a specific time of day. This reduces your risk of running out of hot water. 

A tankless water heater is rated by how many gallons per minute can be heated, or GPM for short. We add together the flow rates of the fixtures that you frequently use at the same time. If you run your shower (2 to 3 GPM) at the same time as your dishwasher (1 to 2 GPM), expect to purchase a unit that is approximately 4 to 5 GPM. 

Consider Modern Features and Smart Technologies

Water heaters are available with many convenient features, and this may impact your decision. For example, both types of water heaters are available with smart technology. You can pair your smartphone or tablet with your water heater to control temperature and monitor usage. Use this technology to receive maintenance reminders and alerts about equipment malfunctions. Hybrid water heating systems provide on-demand heating with smaller storage tanks. 

If you would like to learn more about the differences between a traditional hot water heater and a tankless model, the plumbing services experts at Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical is available to help. We can also assist with the installation of your new unit, routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Contact our team at Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical for more information or to schedule an appointment in the Weatherford area.