Tankless vs. Tanked Water Heaters
Many homeowners enjoy the benefits of a traditional tanked water heater. In addition, many people are discovering the great benefits of tankless water heaters. If your water heater is older and you want to replace it, check out these facts to determine if a tankless or tanked water heater is the right choice for you and your family.
Tankless Systems Reduce Energy Consumption
If you want to cut down on energy spending, a tankless water heater is a great choice because it can drastically reduce energy consumption.
If you use an average of 41 gallons or less of hot water per day, your tankless water heater may be 24 to 34 percent more efficient than a tanked system. If you use more water – such as 86 gallons or more per day – you may use 8 to 14 percent less energy than with a tanked system.
The biggest reason tankless systems are more efficient is because they don’t heat the water until you need it. Once you turn on the hot water, it starts getting hot. With a traditional water heater, the tank is full of hot water, which uses electricity to keep it hot. However, as long as your water heater is well-insulated, it should keep much of the water naturally hot without wasting too much energy.
Tankless Systems Come in Point-of-Use or Whole-Home
With tankless systems, you can choose a point-of-use water heater or a whole-home water heater. With point-of-use water heaters, the water heater only provides hot water to one faucet. This can help you save money if you only use hot water on some faucets, such as the washing machine, dishwasher, or kitchen sink. You can also use a point-of-use system in conjunction with a tanked water heater, especially if you have problematic faucets.
A whole-home system provides hot water to every faucet in the home, much like a traditional water heater. You can install the whole-house systems in one central location, but they take up much less room than a traditional tank.
Tanked Water Heaters Provide Instant Hot Water
The biggest benefit of having a tank of hot water is instant hot water. If you have a tanked water heater, as soon as you turn on the hot water faucet, hot water starts flowing because it comes directly from the tank. If the house uses all the hot water, you’ll have to wait for the tank to refill, but as long as you choose the appropriate size tank for your family, you shouldn’t experience a problem.
With a tankless system, the water runs over a heating device, but the heating device isn’t active until you turn on the hot water faucet. Therefore, you may have to wait for the heating device to fully warm. As a result, you may have to let cold water run for a while before the water reaches the desired temperature.
Tanked Water Heaters Are More Affordable to Purchase
Ultimately, many people choose tanked water heaters because they are more affordable to purchase and install. You can expect to pay between $300 and $3,500 for a traditional water heater and professional installation. The price depends on many factors, including the size, quality, and insulating properties.
A tankless system may cost $1,800 to $5,000 for the system and installation. Tankless water heaters tend to last longer than traditional tanked heaters, but tanked systems still last 10 to 15 years, making them an affordable investment for many homeowners.
Your home’s water heater is invaluable for providing heated water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. However, while many people prefer a tanked system, a tankless water heater may be a great choice to consider. For more information about water heater replacement or which type of system is best for your needs, contact us at Vines Plumbing and Water Restoration today.
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