Tank Vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which Is Best & Why?

Upfront costs are a big difference, but tankless heaters can pay for themselves over time!

Are you considering a tankless water heater for your home? Unlike a traditional tank water heater, which continuously heats water so it’s ready when you need it, a tankless water heater operates only when you need hot water, making it more energy-efficient.

But many people wonder, “are tankless water heaters really all they’re cracked up to be?” That really depends on your particular situation, as there are several factors to consider. In this post, we will go over those factors in more detail.

Traditional Water Tank Heaters

First, let’s consider traditional water tank heaters. A major advantage to them when compared to tankless heaters is the price tag, as tank heaters cost much less upfront. They are also typically much simpler to operate than tankless ones are, which in turn usually means less maintenance and repair needed.

However, you’ll need to make sure the capacity is enough for the size of your household. Otherwise, the last person to take a shower will end up disappointed. Water tank heaters also usually need water heater replacement faster than tankless heaters do.

Finally, they may end up costing you more in monthly energy bills, as water is constantly heating, even when you aren’t using hot water.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless heaters are a different animal, offering savings on money and space. Since they provide on-demand hot water only when you need it, they can save you money on your utility bills.

You’ll never have to wait for the water coming out to be hot, as once again, it’s on-demand hot water. Tankless heaters can be a space saver, too, since they can even be installed on an exterior wall in some cases. Tankless heaters have roughly double the lifespan of traditional tank heaters.

However, tankless heaters can be expensive to purchase, and the initial cost will be even higher if you’re making the switch to tankless, as plumbing will need to be rerouted.

Finally, the output isn’t as good as it should be when using, say, the shower and washing machine at the same time, which may result in one having lukewarm water instead.

Call Our Team Today!

We know this sounds like a lot, but don’t worry; Joe The Plumber is a plumber serving the Houston, Tomball, Cypress, Katy, Spring, and Magnolia areas of Texas. We can answer all your questions about water heater installation and water heater replacement.

Once you decide on which is the better option, we can install it for you without a hitch. We can also provide water heater repair if you need it. Contact us today whenever you need reliable plumbing services!