As one of the unsung heroes in home appliances, the water heater provides daily comfort and convenience on demand. If you are in the market for a new hot water tank, we urge you to consider the benefits and disadvantages of a tankless water heater vs. a traditional water heater before investing in a new system.
The decision to replace your traditional water tank with a tankless water heater should be based on several key factors such as your water usage, the cost, and the available space you have in your home. While both options have their advantages and disadvantages, how do you know which option is best for you and your household? Keep reading!
Understanding Traditional Water Heaters
A traditional water heater is commonly referred to as a hot water tank or storage tank. These 12- to 80-gallon cylinder-shaped tanks are often made out of stainless steel, polymer, or copper. Traditional water heaters operate with an electric or a fuel source. To improve efficiency and save you money, it is important to have a professional plumber or HVAC technician help you determine which sized water tank is best for your home.
A traditional water heater draws cold water from the main waterline and heats the water that is stored in the tank constantly. The temperature of the storage tank can be manually set on the tank’s thermostat.
Traditional water heaters are considered a low-cost installation choice due to the ease of switching out the tank for a newer model. The high flow rate of a conventional heater has also made it a popular choice among homeowners over the years.
Understanding Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater provides instantaneous hot water as there is no large water storage to heat before use. These “on-demand” water heaters use gas or electricity-operated burners to provide uninterrupted hot water from a heat exchanger directly to the faucet for usage.
By not needing to heat an entire storage tank of water, these tankless devices cut energy use resulting in lower utility costs. These systems are designed to last for 20 years with regular maintenance as seen with most heating appliances.
Other advantages of tankless water heaters include limitless hot water supply, reduced risk of leaks or flooding, and minimal space requirements as they can be hung on a wall. The latest models of tankless water heaters offer comprehensive warranties and add to the overall home value with their advanced technology.
Comparing Tankless Water Heaters vs. Traditional Water Heaters
| Feature | Tankless Water Heaters | Traditional Water Heaters |
| Heating Method | Heats water on-demand as needed | Maintains a reservoir of hot water |
| Energy Efficiency | Highly efficient, lower energy use | Less efficient due to standby losses |
| Hot Water Supply | Continuous and endless supply | Limited by the tank size |
| Space Requirements | Compact and space-saving design | Requires a dedicated storage space |
| Initial Cost | Higher upfront purchase and installation cost | Lower initial cost |
| Operating Costs | Lower monthly energy bills | Higher monthly energy bills |
| Lifespan | Longer lifespan (20+ years) | Typically shorter lifespan (10-15 years) |
| Installation Complexity | May require adjustments to gas lines and venting | Standard installation |
| Maintenance | Minimal maintenance, occasional flushing | Regular maintenance and potential tank replacements |
| Environmental Impact | Reduced energy consumption and lower emissions | Higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions |
| Capacity Flexibility | Suits smaller or larger households with the right model | Limited capacity; may not meet high demand |
| Recovery Time | No recovery time, immediate hot water | Limited by the tank’s refill rate |
| Long-Term Savings | Potential for significant energy savings | Higher operating costs over time |
| Availability of Hot Water | Handles simultaneous usage with multiple faucets | Limited simultaneous usage |
| Installation Space | Saves space, can be wall-mounted | Requires floor space for the tank |
| Environmental Impact | Reduced water waste and energy consumption | Greater water waste and energy use |
Which Is Better: Tankless Water Heaters vs Traditional Water Heaters
The answer to this question really depends on you and your household’s specific needs. Talk to a professional HVAC technician about your hot water usage and the available space you have in your home, not to mention the installation requirements of both types of water heaters. While a traditional hot water tank has a lower initial cost, a tankless hot water heater will save you more money in the long run since it uses less energy.
Your personal preference and lifestyle also play an important role when deciding whether to install a traditional or tankless water heater. Keep in mind that convenience comes with a price. Most existing homes will require the proper fittings in order to install a tankless system compared to the regular piping needed for a storage tank.
In the end, both types of water heaters are available for electrical use when access to natural gas or propane is not obtainable. Whether you want to invest money now for long-term benefits may be the deciding factor for many homeowners. Speak to a reputable water heater service professional to have an assessment performed on your home.
Contact Econoair for Tankless Water Heater Installation in Toronto
With 20 years of experience, Econoair Heating and Cooling Inc. offers a wide selection of heating, cooling, ventilation, and air conditioning services including tankless water heater maintenance. Our certified technicians provide excellent customer service with top-quality products and 24-hour emergency service for all your HVAC needs.
For more information on our tankless water heaters, or to book an onsite no-obligation consultation, contact our knowledgeable team today.