Tankless Water Heaters vs. Water Heaters Friday, September 06, 2019

A water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. You need it for hot water to wash dishes, to take showers, to do laundry, and so much more. When it comes time to replace your water heater, there are many aspects to consider.

One of these aspects is whether you should purchase a water heater with a tank or a tankless water heater. Both have pros and cons. Here is a guide to tankless water heaters vs. water heaters for central Florida homes in communities such as Plant City, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and other nearby cities.

The Pros of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are an advancement in water heater technology, presenting a more energy-efficient way to heat water on demand. These heaters are also referred to as demand-type heaters or instantaneous heaters. A tankless water heater has many pros when compared to a traditional water heater, including:

• They are more energy-efficient. Traditional water heaters continually heat water, keeping it stored in the tank. This burns more energy and ends up costing more on an electric bill. According to energy.gov, heating water is the second-largest utility bill expense, making up 14%-16% of your bill.
• The supply of hot water doesn’t end. Tankless water heaters heat up water on demand, meaning the water will stay warm for as long as needed. With a traditional water heater, it’s possible for warm water to run out once the tank is emptied.
• They last longer than traditional water heaters. A water heater with a tank generally has a lifetime of about 10-15 years, while a tankless water heater lasts for at least 20 years and has parts that are easily replaceable, meaning it’s easy to make it last for much longer than 20 years.

The Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters

One issue with tankless water heaters is that they generally can’t produce enough water for two people to use it at the same time. If you and your family tend to use a lot of hot water, it may be recommended to install more than one tankless heater or continue to use a traditional water heater.

Tankless heaters also have a higher upfront cost and it is possible that the annual savings you see using them may not end up offsetting that upfront cost. It’s also possible that water temperatures may fluctuate depending on the water pressure throughout your home. Some homes may also require an electrical upgrade to use these types of water heaters, as they are a draw on power.

Looking to replace or upgrade your water heater?

About 24 million households in the U.S. have water heaters that are at least 10 years old, according to the Department of Energy. If that applies to you, then contact us to come take a look at your water heater to make sure it’s working. It’s important to be proactive when it comes to water heater maintenance—a burst water heater is not something you want to encounter!

Give us a call today at (863) 667-6364 to discuss your water heater needs and to ask us about tankless water heaters vs. traditional water heaters!