Tankless vs Tank Water Heaters: Pros & Cons

While looking for a way to heat the water in your home, you might be researching the differences between tankless vs tank water heaters. You may have heard that tankless systems will reduce your energy bill, or that they’re better for the environment. You might already have one in your home. If you have ever wondered about tankless water heaters, your friends with Team Electric Plumbing & Air want to help you make the right decision.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters utilize state-of-the-art burners to change the temperature of the water while its traveling through the heat exchanger. The water supply is delivered to the sinks, faucets, and showers in your home. When comparing tankless vs tank water heaters, tankless systems are more energy efficient because they only modify the temperature of water as it is needed throughout the home.

Tankless vs Tank Water Heaters: The Benefits & Drawbacks

Energy Savings

When comparing energy usage among tankless vs tank water heaters, a tankless system isn’t going to save you money. In fact you may notice a slight increase in your energy bill. This is because electricity is often more expensive than natural gas. This is especially true when you live in New Jersey; our power bills are not small.

Heating Process

You may have recently finished washing the dishes prior to deciding to exercise and take a cold shower. While you were exercising, the tankless water heater has turned off. If you decide to take a shower, you will notice a small amount of warm water followed by a sandwich of cold water before the tankless water heater can turn back on and give you the heat you need.

It’s Not Instantaneous

If you’re reading about the differences between tankless water heaters vs tank water heaters, it’s important to remember that a tankless system does not store warm water in the same manner as a tank system. A tankless water heater has to heat the water as it flows through it. Tank water heaters are able to provide warm water at a faster rate when compared to tankless systems. You will be required to wait 10 to 15 seconds to receive warm water with a tankless unit.

 

Say Goodbye to Hot Water Multitasking

If you’re researching tankless water heaters vs tank systems, you should closely analyze the demand for hot water in your home. A tankless water heater will have trouble keeping up with high demand situations such as two people showering at once. Going tankless means you will have to schedule showers, clothes washing, and dishwashing.

Upfront Pricing

If you’re comparing prices between tankless water heaters vs tank water heaters, you may have noticed that tankless water heaters are more expensive when compared to tank units. The upfront cost of a tank water heater will vary from $500 to $800 while the initial cost of a tankless system may vary from $2,000 – $4,500. While the price of a traditional water heater may be less expensive, this type of water heater is susceptible to scale and mineral buildup. This will affect the total supply of warm water as the tank system becomes older.

Lifespan of Tankless Systems

When you’re researching tankless vs tank water heaters, you may notice that tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost. However, tankless systems include a lifespan of 20+ years while tank water heaters feature a 10 to 15 year lifespan. As a traditional tank system reaches the end of its lifespan, the water heater will start to leak. To avoid water damage, we recommend performing a water heater repair or installation.

Installation Process

When comparing the installation process between tankless vs tank water heaters, tankless water heaters are harder to install. A tankless water heater is installed inside the wall and the pipes will need to be modified to accommodate the system. A tankless water heater installation will consist of wall removal, pipe cutting, plumbing line reconnections, and dry wall repair. On the other hand, a traditional water heater only takes a couple of minutes to an hour to install. A tank water heater installation project will only consist of connecting the water and fuel lines to the tank. If you’re having issues with a tank water heater replacement project, we recommend calling our team to receive assistance.

Reliable Tankless Water Heater Repair & Install Services

Our team of licensed plumbers provides plumbing repair and install services to homes in New Jersey such as gas line repair, sewer line installation, garbage disposal maintenance, and sump pump repair.  Our team offers plumbing solutions in areas of New Jersey such as Middletown, Howell, Brick, Tom’s River, Elizabeth, and Trenton. Give us a call by phone to receive assistance with a project.