A well-maintained water heater could last as long as 20 years. But they can also be a costly upfront investment. Before purchasing your next water heater, it’s important to consider all the options. Which option is going to be the right fit for your home and your needs? A traditional water heater or a tankless water heater? Both appliances vary in terms of cost and efficiency. So we’ve compiled this list of pros and cons to help you make this important decision.
Hudson Plumbing is specially trained to install both traditional and tankless water heaters. Schedule your HTP tankless or AO Smith/State storage tank water heater upgrade by clicking here.
Traditional Water Heaters
Traditional water heaters are commonly referred to as storage tank water heaters. These are probably what initially comes to mind when you think of a water heater. At their most basic level, storage tank water heaters consist of an insulated tank with a water line appearing from the top to deliver hot water to the home. These tanks traditionally come in three sizes: 30, 40, and 50 gallons. Additionally, there are a few options in terms of energy type: electric, gas, and power vent.
Pros:
- Storage tank water heaters have a lower initial cost than tankless water heaters.
- Traditional water heaters are easier to install than tankless water heaters.
- Storage tank water heater maintenance is minimal, and repairs are relatively simple.
Cons:
- Traditional water heaters have a finite amount of hot water. Once that water has been used, it needs to reheat before more becomes available.
- Space can be an issue. Storage tank water heaters require far more space than tankless water heaters, which can greatly diminish the maneuverability of your utility room.
- Traditional water heaters can last you as long as a decade (especially if they’re used in conjunction with a water softener), but their counterpart could last even longer.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are somewhat revolutionary in that they compete with storage tank water heaters while taking up far less space. These water heaters are also known as on-demand water heaters because they only heat water as it’s needed. For example, hot water is produced virtually immediately once the faucet is engaged or the washing machine begins a cycle. Like traditional water heaters, on-demand water heaters can run on electricity, natural gas, or propane.
Pros:
- Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters because they only heat water when needed.
- On-demand water heaters don’t require a lot of space. These appliances are about the size of an average suitcase and are mounted to the wall.
- On average, a tankless water heater lasts twice as long as a traditional water heater. Experts say these appliances maintain their effectiveness for 20+ years.
Cons:
- Tankless water heaters are far more expensive than their counterparts, often by a wide margin.
- Tankless water heater repairs can be expensive as well because they often require special training and experience that many plumbing technicians don’t have.
- While tankless water heaters might save you on energy costs, they can sometimes struggle to keep up with your home’s hot water demands.
OUR HUDSON PLUMBING TEAM IS TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED TO HELP
Whether you’re ready to pull the plug and purchase a traditional or tankless water heater, our team is specially trained to assist. Call today to discuss water heater prices and schedule your water heater installation!
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