The time has come. Your old water heater is no longer functioning as it should, and you finally need a hot water system replacement. For some, this may come as a natural expense; for others, it can be a surprise; and for many others, it can be an exciting opportunity to upgrade their water heater to newer options. Regardless of how you take it, choosing a new heater is not something to take lightly.

Tankless and traditional water heaters have advantages and cons that make them more or less suitable for your needs and your property’s plumbing system. Hence, choosing a model for your water heater replacement requires as much care and detail as a larger project, such as remodeling your home.

Although tankless water heaters are surpassing traditional ones in popularity and causing a fuzz due to their notorious energy-efficient capacities and smart technology that makes it easier to maintain them, they are not always the best choice for everyone. So, if you’re considering whether or not to get one for your water heater system replacement, you came to the right site.

Tankless vs. traditional water heaters: pros and cons of each

Tankless water heaters

Also known as “on-demand” water heaters, these units heat water when needed instead of keeping a reserve like tanked heaters.

Pros of tankless water heaters

Endless hot water supply: If you install a proper unit for your plumbing and supply needs, you can enjoy an unlimited hot water supply whenever needed. A tankless water heater replacement can eliminate the frustration of discovering someone else has dried the hot water tank right before you shower since it heats your running water when you open the faucet.

More energy efficient: Because they only heat water when you “ask them to,” tankless water heaters can be up to 80% more energy efficient than their conventional counterparts. This means that you can save money on your bills with your new hot water system replacement.

Longer lifetimes and less maintenance: Since they don’t have a storage tank that accumulates sediment and can rust due to build-up, they often last up to 20 years, meaning you won’t worry about a water heater replacement too soon. Likewise, they generally require less frequent water heater maintenance since you don’t have a tank to drain and clean at least yearly to prevent sediment accumulation.

However, a tankless hot water system should be flushed yearly.

Cons of tankless water heaters

Higher installation costs: Tankless units are more complex than traditional water heaters. Hence, they often have upfront costs 2 to 3 times more expensive than their counterparts. Sometimes, you’ll also need a gas and water heater system replacement to ensure the gas and water lines are enough to supply the new unit, adding to your installation costs.

You may need to wait longer for hot water: This is especially true for homes with several floors or bathrooms and may prevent them from getting a tankless water heater replacement. Since they heat the water on demand, it can take longer for hot water to reach your faucets and shower heads while the water heats and travels to your open faucet.

It may not seem like a huge drawback, but a single tankless unit may not meet your household needs. If you have a large family, multiple bathrooms, or frequent guests over, you may need more tankless water heaters, which can escape your budget.

Storage tank water heaters

These heaters are typically large, cylindrical tanks that store and heat water through an electrical or gas burner. The top of these tanks is insulated to keep the water warm until you need it. When someone opens the faucet, the warm water flows into the plumbing system to your faucet.

Pros of traditional water heaters

Lower installation costs: A traditional water heater replacement requires fewer parts than a tankless one, making it easier and less costly. Since they’re most common, you can often use your current gas and plumbing system without needing to upgrade it, which allows licensed plumbers to install them faster and charge less.

Likewise, they don’t require a complex ventilation system, further reducing your installation costs.

Less chances of sudden shutdowns: Traditional water heaters, with their mechanism being— so simple—just a gas or electric burner, have low chances of suddenly shutting down, leaving you to find a licensed plumber to perform a water heater inspection to find out what went wrong.

Available in multiple sizes to fit your needs: Tanks from 20 to 80 gallons may better suit your household needs than a single tankless heater. Suppose you will use a lot of water simultaneously because you have several bathrooms or floors. In that case, you may consider a storage-tank water heater replacement rather than a tankless one.

Cons of traditional water heaters

Less energy efficient: Since they constantly heat water to store it, these water heaters consume more energy than their tankless counterparts. The radiant heat of the tank also contributes to energy loss, meaning that you can see an increase in your utility bills after a traditional hot water system replacement.

Take up a lot of space: These heaters are bulky and require a lot of space to install, making your basement or garage disorganized and limiting the space you could use for other appliances or storing different things.

Get the water heater replacement you need with Swiftline Plumbing.

We understand that plumbing issues can be stressful, even if they may not seem so at first, like choosing your water heater system replacement. Hence, we promise to make your plumbing needs as seamless as possible, so we’re ready to help if you’re having issues choosing which heater option is best for your home.

From choosing your new water heater to installing it, you won’t regret calling Swiftline Plumbing. Contact us today!