Tankless Water Heaters vs. Traditional Water Heaters

Water heaters are not devices you need to replace every few years. They stay in your house for up to 15 to 20 years and serve you daily.

There are two most popular water heaters on the market, and people are constantly debating which heater is worth the investment. Your priorities will determine what type of heater is the best for your household.

However, it’s advisable to consider both options and calculate the costs before you go to the store and make a final purchase.

Which one is cheaper?

If we take a look at the average price of both heaters, we’ll discover that traditional boilers are a lot cheaper than tankless heaters. That is the main reason why people choose traditional heaters over modern versions. To be able to make a fair decision, you need to calculate other costs that affect your budget one way or another. Although tankless heaters are more expensive, the return of investment is high. 

With a tankless heater, you will be able to lower the energy bills, since they’re heating water on demand, not in advance. If you’re going to pay less for the energy consumption, paying double for an energy-efficient heater is beneficial. Consider upgrading to a tankless water heater if you want to lower your utility bills. On the other hand, if you don’t want to pay a large amount of money at once, invest in a conventional heater. That is going to be enough to maintain your financial health. 

Which one is more effective?

Both heaters have a lot of pros and cons. The main question is, which one is adequate for an average household? Traditional water heaters have been serving us for decades now, yet no one seems to complain about their functionality. However, we all know the trouble of taking a shower after another family member. Noticing that we’re running out of hot water is a very unpleasant feeling. Most people would rather wait for the boiler to provide hot water supply than risk having to shower with cold water. 

With a tankless water heater, you’ll never run out of hot water. As long as there’s enough energy to power the device, you’ll never have to worry about hot water supplies again. 

On the other hand, in case of power outages, your hot water supply is gone. Your tankless water heater won’t be able to provide hot water, and you would have to wait for the power to be restored. Traditional boilers come with  hot water storage, and you would be able to use hot water from the tank in case you need it. 

How to fix malfunctions?

If you need to replace your traditional water heater, you won’t have to worry a lot about the expenses. They’re easy and inexpensive to replace. Tankless heaters require more investment, and you won’t be able to fix your device by yourself. Tankless heaters are more complicated and demand professional assistance. 

If you notice any malfunctions, cheaper solutions for hot water repairs are not hard to find. Unfortunately, that is possible only if you possess a traditional boiler. Tankless heaters last longer, but malfunctions require more investment. 

Are they dangerous?

A tankless water heater is a small device you can put wherever you want in the house. Some people prefer to keep their heater outside, but they need to protect it from the rain and sunlight. It doesn’t occupy a lot of space, and chances of something happening to you in case of malfunctions are low. 

Traditional water heaters are more dangerous. Leaks can harm your finances, and dangerous bacteria can pile up in the tank. In the case of natural disasters, conventional boilers can create a lot of damage to your bathroom. 

Conclusion

Before you make a final decision, consult your repairman. They will tell you where to look and what models are the best on the market. Both options are still popular, although tankless heaters are getting more attention lately. Find the model that suits your needs the most. Don’t forget to invest in maintenance, for it will prolong the life of your heater.