We use our water heaters every day for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Yet we rarely consider how the hot water gets to our taps – until something goes wrong. Water heaters don’t last forever, so most homeowners will need to replace theirs at some point.
Choosing the right water heater can be tricky. Tankless water heaters have gained popularity for their reduced carbon footprint and energy savings. Still, a tankless water heater might not be the right choice for every household. Traditional hot water tanks still offer many benefits.
Both tankless and traditional hot water tanks have advantages and disadvantages. In this post, we’re going to discuss both options and give a list of pros and cons for each.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, heat water only when you need it instead of constantly keeping a reserve of hot water. As the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t store water in a tank. They are powered by either gas or electricity and use high-powered burners to heat the water quickly as it passes through the system, sending hot water directly to your taps.
Pros
- More Energy-Efficient – Many people choose to install a tankless water heater because of their high energy efficiency. Because tankless heaters have no standby energy loss, they can be anywhere from 35% to 80% more energy efficient than a traditional hot water tank. Tankless water heaters are the more eco-friendly option.
- Lower Monthly Bills – Because you only heat water when it’s needed, your energy bills will be much lower, saving you money in the long run.
- Longer Lifespan – Tankless water heaters can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, about double the typical life of a storage-tank water heater.
- Hot Water on Demand – You can have hot water whenever you need it. You won’t have to wait even 15 seconds for your water to become hot, and you’ll never run out of hot water, even if a family member takes a long hot shower!
- Saves Space – A tankless water heater does not take up as much space as a traditional hot water tank. On-demand water heaters are small and can be installed in tight quarters.
Cons
- Higher Initial Cost – A tankless water heater costs more to buy than a hot water tank. The installation process is also more complex, often requiring a trained specialist to reroute your gas lines, adding to the initial cost.
- Limited Flow Rate – A single tankless water heater might not meet your household’s needs if you have a large family or plan on running many appliances simultaneously. Depending on your needs, you may need multiple heaters, which can be very costly.
- Might Not Handle Cold Winters – Tankless units don’t always do well with extremely cold temperatures. Cold weather can impact the performance of your tankless water heater, causing temperature fluctuations and potential freezing issues. This might be an issue if you live in an area with very cold winters.
Hot Water Tanks
Hot water tanks are the most common type of water heater. A tank heater uses a large, insulated storage tank to hold water until needed. Hot water tanks can be powered by natural gas or electricity. In a gas water heater, the cold water in the tank is heated by a gas flame from the bottom and rises upwards. An electric water heater uses rods running vertically through the tank to heat the water from the center, radiating outwards.
Pros
- Lower Initial Cost – A storage hot water tank is significantly cheaper to buy and install than a tankless water heater.
- Can Heat a Large Amount of Water – Hot water tanks are designed to store as much hot water as possible, so you’ll always have enough hot water for multiple uses.
- Simple, Inexpensive Repairs – Several factors can affect the cost of water heater repair. Still, traditional hot water tanks are generally less complex and cost less to repair than their tankless counterparts.
Cons
- Less Energy Efficient and Higher Energy Bills – In a hot water tank, water is heated around the clock, whether you need it or not. Since a traditional water heater is less energy efficient than a tankless unit, resulting in higher monthly energy bills.
- Takes Up Space – Traditional water heaters are bulky and take up considerable space that could be used for other purposes.
- Shorter Lifespan – With regular maintenance, hot water tanks can last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, about half the typical lifespan of a tankless water heater.
Your water heater is a costly investment that will affect your everyday life for years. Both tankless water heaters and traditional hot water tanks have their advantages, and the right choice for your household will depend on your budget and specific needs. To install a water heater in Winnipeg, contact us today at Lynn’s Heating, Cooling, Sewer, and Drain!