When you need a new water heater for your home in Fort Myers, FL, you might debate about whether or not to buy a tankless one. You may question how it differs from a traditional water heater. You can make the best choice for your home’s hot water needs by learning about the pros and cons of tankless versus traditional water heaters.
The Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters can offer you numerous appealing advantages.
Energy Efficiency
The tankless water heaters available to homeowners today use less energy. Unlike traditional water heaters, which maintain a constant temperature, they only heat water when you need it. Less energy use means you could pay less for your home’s energy costs.
Ample Hot Water Supply
A tankless water heater can also provide your home with a constant supply of hot water. They don’t run out of it like traditional water heaters because they only heat water on demand. You and your family will have more hot water for tasks like showering, washing dishes and doing your laundry.
Space-Saving Design
If you live in a relatively small house, you can appreciate having a water heater that doesn’t take up a lot of space. Tankless units feature compact designs, which makes them ideal for smaller homes.
Less Water Damage Risk
Because these units do not have large tanks, they have less risk of leaking and developing water damage. You could spend less to keep yours maintained and functional. You could also avoid the costly bills that come with having to contact a plumber for repairs to your home’s water heater.
Longer Lifespan
One of the more appealing benefits of tankless units centers on their longer lifespans. Compared to traditional water heaters, they can last for years longer. You can spare your budget the cost of having to replace your hot water unit within a matter of years of buying it.
The Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
As appealing as these benefits are, they don’t negate the downsides found with tankless water heaters.
Higher Initial Cost
Tankless units often come with heftier price tags than traditional water heaters. You not only have to pay a higher price to buy one but may also have to pay more to have a plumber install it for you.
Limited Flow Rate
Likewise, tankless water heaters have limited flow rates. While they can supply plenty of water for a single plumbing fixture, such as your dishwasher, they can struggle to provide enough for multiple fixtures. The limited flow rate can pose a challenge for larger households.
Complex Installation
You may also have to pay more to have a plumber install a tankless unit for you. The higher installation price comes from factors like the water heater’s complex design. The plumber may also have to make upgrades to your home’s ventilation, gas lines or electrical system to accommodate the new unit. Because the installation work often proves more complicated, it results in a higher price.
Cold Water Bursts
The design of the tankless water heater can cause you to experience brief bursts of cold water when you turn on the hot water tap. The bursts occur most often if your heater frequently cycles on and off.
Maintenance
Compared to a traditional water heater, a tankless one requires regular maintenance. Routine maintenance prevents mineral buildup in the unit and ensures it operates efficiently. You must ensure it undergoes regular maintenance to keep it working reliably and safely.
The Pros of a Traditional Water Heater
Compared to tankless units, traditional water heaters come with advantages that many homeowners find challenging to resist.
Lower Initial Cost
A traditional water heater often proves more budget-friendly for many homeowners. They cost less to purchase. They also take less time and effort to install, allowing you to save money on installation costs.
Simplicity
Traditional water heaters also have straightforward designs. It’s easy to understand how they work or to determine if they’re functioning normally. They also tend to be easier to repair and maintain.
Hot Water Storage
A traditional hot water will store hot water for you. You will have a ready supply of hot water available for you and your family for immediate use.
Compatibility
Unlike tankless water heaters, traditional water heaters are compatible with existing plumbing and gas systems. Most homeowners typically do not need to pay a plumber to upgrade their gas lines, improve their homes’ ventilation or make changes to their electrical systems to install traditional water heaters. Their compatibility allows plumbers to install them faster, saving you money on your installation bill.
Flexibility of Energy Source
You also have the option of choosing a traditional water heater that uses your preferred source of energy. You can find units that utilize electricity. You can also find those that use natural gas, propane or oil.
The Cons of Traditional Water Heaters
Traditional water heaters likewise come with numerous downsides.
Energy Inefficiency
Compared to tankless water heaters, traditional water heaters are less energy efficient. They continuously heat water to maintain the thermostat’s temperature. Even when you aren’t using the water heater, it will still consume energy. You could pay more for your home’s utility bills in Fort Myers as a result.
Limited Hot Water Supply
A traditional water heater also has a finite supply of hot water. Once you or someone in your home depletes that supply, you must wait for the tank to heat up more water. This downside can prove inconvenient if you have a large household or you use appliances like the washer and dishwasher every day.
Space Requirements
Traditional units are bulky and heavy. They take up a lot of room and require enough space to accommodate their height and girth. If you live in a small house or an apartment, you may find the size of one of these units inconvenient and difficult to accommodate.
Shorter Lifespan
If you buy a traditional water heater for your home, you can anticipate it having a shorter lifespan than a tankless water heater. A traditional unit can last for around 10 to 15 years. In contrast, a tankless water heater can last for as long as 20 years.
Maintenance Costs
Compared to a tankless water heater, a traditional water heater can incur higher maintenance costs. The higher costs can come from factors like having to flush out sediment buildup. You may also have to pay for replacement parts, like the anode rod.
Let Us Help You Decide Between a Tankless or Traditional Water Heater
At Plumbing, Cooling & Electrical Nerds, we can help you decide if a tankless or traditional water heater is best for your home’s hot water needs. Our team provides you with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
As a Better Business Bureau-accredited local business in Fort Myers, FL, we also work on heating and cooling systems. Our business has also won the Super Service Award from Angi for our excellent customer care. Contact us to learn more about your tankless and traditional water heater options!
