Tankless vs Traditional Water Heaters in Edwardsville, IL
Your home’s water heater is a costly investment that you’ll live with for a decade or more, so it’s important to choose one that will meet the needs of your household. If it’s time to replace yours, then you’ve likely come across a tankless water heater as an alternative to traditional tank storage water heaters. Both types have pros and cons, and what works for one household may leave another with cold showers.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, which may also be called on-demand water heaters, work by heating up rapidly as it runs through a heat exchanger. From there, it delivers the water directly to your shower or faucets rather than storing it in a tank. They may be powered by gas or electricity and up to 20% more efficient than their traditional counterparts.
The Pros
- High efficiency
- Environmentally friendly
- Long-term savings
- Longer lifespan
- Ideal for tight quarters
- On-demand hot water
The Cons
- Limited flow rate
- Prior setup work may be required
- High upfront costs
- Expensive repair costs
Traditional Water Heaters
A traditional water heater works by storing water in a tank and keeping it heated at all times. Depending on the water heater, 30-50 gallons of water may be stored and ready for use at any given time. Once the water is emptied from the tank, it refills and begins the heating process again.
The Pros
- Relatively low upfront costs
- Simple operation, which results in cheaper repairs
- Can provide hot water to several faucets at once
The Cons
- May run out of hot water if several faucets are open at one time
- Shorter life span
- Takes up more space
While either tankless or traditional water heaters can provide hot water to your home, your budget, your household’s habits, and your space limitations may cause one of these options to be better for you. Before deciding between a tankless water heater and a traditional water heater, talk to a plumber who has experience in installing both. At Bailey Sewer & Water, we specialize in helping Edwardsville, IL, residents choose the best water heater for the needs of their household.
