The debate between tankless and traditional (conventional style) water heater systems typically comes down to your preferences and what you can accommodate in your home. There are some cons and pros for both types of water heaters, so it depends on aspects like energy efficiency, costs, installation, and the hot water demands of your home. No matter which kind of water heater you decide you want for your home, our team at J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing is ready to help you choose the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
It’s important to note that both conventional and tankless water heaters come in gas or electric models. With both types, the installation and requirements are different.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
While individual models vary, tankless water heaters tend to be more energy-efficient than conventional tank-type water heaters. Unlike standard water heaters that must maintain the temperature of the water in a tank, the tankless systems only heat water when needed. This on-demand heating means that there is no standby heat loss like there is with a conventional system.
While energy savings with tankless systems do lead to reduced utility bills in the long term, it’s equally important to point out that upfront costs for a tankless unit are often much more expensive. With upfront costs being higher for a tankless water heater, you may want to consider it a long-term investment that pays off over time with reduced energy bills.
Conventional-style water heaters are not as efficient as tankless water heaters yet cost less up front. This type of water heater constantly heats and stores water, which increases energy usage and usually means a higher utility bill. That said, the lower up-front may be a deciding factor if you have a limited budget for a new water heater. The trade-off is like that of the tankless water heater but in reverse. So, you would pay less in the short term and have higher energy bills in the long term. One of the ways you can try to combat the higher energy costs by insulating the tank so that it holds heat better.
Performance and Hot Water Supply
The performance of your water heater is important, especially if you have a large family, where several appliances or faucets use hot water simultaneously. Conventional water heaters usually have a larger capacity to meet several demands for water because they store a large amount of heated water. However, after the hot water is gone, it takes a while before the tank fills up and warms the new water. This may not be convenient for a large household.
Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, provide an endless supply of hot water since they only heat water as it flows through the unit. With this system, you don’t have to face running out of hot water while in the middle of a shower or trying to finish dishes. There is a limited capacity, though, if there are several demands for hot water throughout the home simultaneously. In this case, it may be convenient to have two tankless units to help with the demand for continuous hot water.
In homes that require a consistent flow of hot water, conventional water heaters may have an advantage when numerous fixtures access the water at the same time. Conversely, smaller homes with staggered hot water needs may find the on-demand performance of tankless systems more suitable. It’s important to note that, while tankless systems do offer continuous hot water, their flow rate, usually in gallons per minute (GPM), may not be enough for a large home without multiple units.
Installation Complexity and Costs
Another critical deciding factor when choosing between a conventional heater and a tankless water heater is installation. Conventional water heaters are generally easier to install. This is because most homes have relevant piping and electrical or gas supply systems for conventional systems. This often makes them a more straightforward and less expensive installation option.
With tankless water heaters, installation is a bit more involved. Most of the time, they require special venting and possibly upgrades to your gas line in the home or your home’s electrical system to support the natural gas needed to heat water instantaneously. Since installers mount them on walls to save space, location can be a big deal. This added complexity increases costs, making installations of the tankless variety more expensive up front.
Despite these complications, the compact design of tankless units means they use significantly less space than conventional water heaters, making them very attractive to people in smaller homes. Also, larger homes may require multiple tankless units, increasing the installation cost. However, the life expectancy of the tankless system usually justifies these costs when energy efficiency and space-saving are of importance.
Lifespan and Durability
One of the most significant advantages of tankless water heaters is their longevity. Given proper care and maintenance, a tankless unit could last 20 years or more, compared with the typical 10- to 15-year life expectancy of a conventional water heater. This durability can make tankless systems a better long-term investment.
On the other hand, conventional water heaters are reliable but more problem-prone, such as sediment forming at the bottom of the tank, than tankless units. They require far more maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Even with good care, conventional units seem to have a rather short life compared to their tankless peers. The continuous cycle of heating and cooling of the stored water eventually causes wear and tear in the tank, and it may lead to leaks or the need for a replacement.
Another factor is that the longer life of tankless systems, translating to fewer replacements over the years, may further contribute to overall cost savings. However, it is important to consider possible repairs for tankless units, which may stand at a higher price because of the more complex components.
Space Considerations and Aesthetics
One of the major considerations, especially in smaller homes and apartments, is space. The conventional water heater, with its large storage tanks, requires considerable space. In many instances, installation is in basements, garages, and utility rooms, but their size is sometimes a limitation should the space of a home be relatively small.
Tankless water heaters are very compact and typical installation is on walls. These water heaters are ideal for a home with limited floor space. Flexibility in terms of installation options — mounting them in the closet, utility room, or sometimes even outside — further helps to make them more space-friendly for homeowners. The tankless unit allows for a more flexible home design and space utilization, giving them an advantage over conventional tank models.
At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing in Jacksonville, we provide drain repairs, pipe installation, and energy audit services for homes in the area. Our friendly team also provides indoor air quality, heating, and cooling services. Contact J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing for more information today!
