What Are The Key Differences Between Tankless Water Heaters And Traditional Water Heaters?

Most new homes being built today come with a tankless water heater. Many people ask: what makes these new tankless water heaters any different from traditional water heaters? What is the big deal about this new heating system compared to the older systems?

Tankless water heaters are obviously a more advanced technology compared to the traditional water heaters. But it is important to understand that every system, old or new, has its pros and cons.

If you’re looking to upgrade your existing water heating system or if you’re in the midst of deciding whether you should choose a tankless water heater, here what you should know about the tankless and traditional water heaters.  The traditional water heater usually stores about 30-50 gallons of water in a large tank which keeps the water heated 24/7 at the desired temperature. When you go to have a shower or wash the dishes, the preheated water is available instantly. Once the water level in the tank drops, the tank refills, and the water begins to get reheated again.

Tankless water heaters are slightly different. The device uses gas or electricity as a heat source; so when you want water, the device turns on and starts to heat up the water (on demand). Unlike the traditional water heater which has warm water all the time, with tankless water heaters, you only get hot water when you need it. The heater stays off when there is no need for hot water. That is why people often refer to tankless water heaters as “on-demand water heaters.”

Pros and Cons of Traditional Water Heaters

Some pros of traditional water heaters include:

  • Traditional water heaters are a lot cheaper to buy compared to the tankless water heater. Even the installation cost is much less.
  • People have been using traditional water heater systems for nearly half a century, and they have withstood the test of time – meaning they rarely break down.
  • The maintenance cost of the traditional water heater is low. There are no fancy gadgets, and the cost of labor is low.
  • Traditional water heaters may last 15-20 years before they need replacement.

Some cons of traditional water heaters include:

  • They are inefficient, and the utility bills are usually very high.
  • The system is large and cumbersome, requiring considerable space.
  • If multiple people in a home continuously use hot water, the tank will run out of heated water, and you will have to wait a while before you can get hot water again.

Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heater Systems

Some pros of tankless water heaters include:

  • Tankless water heater systems are new; they are very efficient and can cut your overall utility bills by more than 27-50%. Over time, that amounts to a significant saving.
  • The system is on demand hence you never run out of hot water, and there is no unnecessary wastage of heating when you don’t need hot water.
  • While the tankless water heaters have only been around for two decades, it appears that they are more durable and tend to breakdown less often. The initial cost may be high but they tend to be more efficient and have longer durability.

Some cons of tankless water heaters include:

  • The initial cost of installing a tankless water heater and the cost of equipment is much higher compared to the traditional water heater systems.
  • Replacing a traditional water heater with a tankless water heater may require retrofitting, which can add to the cost.

Contact General Air – Your Local HVAC Contractor in Greenville

If you are a resident of Greenville and if you’re looking for more information regarding traditional and tankless water heater systems, you can contact General Air Conditioning Services Corporation for more information.  General Air has been providing full-scale HVAC services since 1969. We have a highly qualified and experienced team that can help you with all your cooling and heating needs. Keep in mind that water heaters are a costly investment for most home owners and that is why you should always make sure you are getting the right system. At General Air, we will make sure you get a system that meets your goals of cost, efficiency and longevity. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your system, repair an existing system or replace or purchase a new system altogether,  please call us at 864-633-5664 to schedule an appointment. You can even schedule an appointment online by visiting us at https://generalac.com/contact/