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The main difference between a tankless water heater and a regular water heater is that the former heats water on demand while the latter stores large quantities of heated water in one or more tanks. Tankless water heaters have been gaining in popularity in recent years, so you may be considering them for your home. We will discuss what exactly is hot water on demand, how it compares to traditional storage-type heaters, and provide more insights that will inform your decision when considering which water heater should be chosen in your case.
First, let us brush your memory on the basics.
What is a Tank-type or Regular Water Heater?
Tank-type or Regular Water Heater is the most common type of water heater in use. It heats water and stores it in a tank until it is needed.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is a device that heats water to be used in homes or commercial buildings without the use of a storage tank. It is also known as an on-demand hot-water heater.
What are the Differences Between a Regular Water Heater and a Tankless Water Heater?
Purchase Cost
One of the most obvious differences is the initial cost. A tankless water heater is more expensive than a traditional water heater and the price is often dependent on the quality of the unit. There is also a difference in warranties, with tankless units offering longer warranties in most cases. A tankless water heater costs between $2000-$4000 while a regular water heater costs from $300-$800 which is significantly lower when you compare.
Cost of Installation
Before you decide to install a tankless water heater, take the time to consider how much it will cost to have one installed. The cost of installation can vary significantly depending on whether you’re installing a tankless water heating system for your entire house or just replacing an existing unit. As mentioned earlier, these systems are more expensive than standard ones because they require custom piping, but you may also need to hire an electrician and plumber if you can’t complete the job yourself.
Energy Efficiency
One of the most obvious differences between a tankless water heater and a regular water heater is how it uses energy. A regular water heater uses energy 24/7 to heat the water, which means you’re always paying to keep your water hot. A tankless water heater only heats the water when you need it. This means that when there are no people in the house, or when no one is running a hot-water device like a shower, dishwasher, or washing machine, the tankless water heater isn’t using any energy at all. A tankless water heater is the best electric variant if you are concerned about saving costs on electric bills. This makes tankless water heaters much more cost-effective than a regular or tank-type water heater.
Performance/Output
Another glaring difference between a standard water heater and a tankless water heater is in the type of output it provides. A tankless heater has an on-demand enhancer which allows for a constant heat source as long as the water is flowing through the pipes. A regular heater, on the other hand, will heat 30 – 50 gallons of water, to be stored in the tank and used when required. This means that a regular water heater can be used when someone is showering and another person is doing their laundry. But a tankless water heater may have complications with such.
Flexibility
One more noteworthy difference between tankless water and a tank water heater is the flexibility of the design. Tankless offers more bang for your buck since you don’t have to dedicate any extra space under or in your home for the storage of the water heater.
Longevity
There are several differences between using a tankless water heater and a regular water heater. One of the main benefits of using a tankless water heater is that they typically last longer than the typical tank-style water heaters. Tankless water heaters can last anywhere from 18 to 20 years while typical tank-style water heaters usually only last for about 10 to 15 years years.
The Verdict: Which Water Heater Should You Choose?
There are so many options to choose from, but in the end, it all comes down to your specific needs. If you’re looking for a cheap solution for your house, but don’t mind the wait for hot water now and then, go with a regular tank water heater. If you want instant hot water for your shower or dishwasher and you love saving energy, then look into a tankless water heater. Your current situation, water usage, and lifestyle will all come into consideration when you need to decide on the type of water heater that suits you. Having the input of a professional when making this choice, can also come in handy.
