When you need a water heater replacement, deciding on which type of system to install can be difficult. Although many homes have traditional tanked units, tankless heaters have grown in popularity over the last few decades. While there are benefits and downfalls to both, you may be wondering which type of system is better.
At Mission AC & Plumbing, we’ve seen our fair share of tanked and tankless heaters. While tankless technology may suit one homeowner’s needs, tanked may be a better choice for another. Read on to learn the benefits of each and how to choose the better option for your home.
How Do Tankless And Tanked Water Heaters Work?
Before we get into the benefits of each type of heater, it’s important to clarify how they work. While both types of systems produce hot water in your home, they function in very different ways.
Tanked Water Heating Systems
Tanked heaters have large tanks filled with water. An electric or gas heating element warms the water to reach the set temperature. When hot water is needed, the warmed water transports to the faucet or plumbing fixture through pipework.
Unheated water flows into the tank to replace what was used. This water is heated to the set temperature so it is ready for future use. The heating element constantly turns on and off to regulate the water temperature so it never declines.
Tankless Water Heating Systems
In contrast, tankless heaters are small fixtures installed among your home’s pipework. This system also houses a heating element but only heats the water that travels to a faucet or plumbing fixture when turned on. Depending on how much hot water a home uses, multiple tankless heaters can be utilized to supply an adequate amount of heated water.
Tankless vs. Tanked: Pros And Cons
Since tankless and tanked water heaters work so differently, it’s only natural that they have different strengths and weaknesses. If you’re wondering which type of heater you should purchase, both have notable pros and cons to take into consideration.
Pros And Cons of Tanked Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have been around for decades, but this doesn’t mean they can’t provide modern comfort. The benefits of this system include:
- Lower initial purchase price
- Cheaper repairs and maintenance
- The option of a large tank, which can accommodate more usage at one time
While there are good aspects of tanked heaters, there are also some drawbacks. Constant temperature regulation can lead to wasted energy and higher utility bills, especially if you don’t use a lot of hot water. The large tanks also use a lot of space, which can be frustrating if you live in a small home.
Tanked heaters are also notorious for running out of hot water. If your tank is the wrong size for your home, you may end up taking a cold shower if all the warm water in the tank has been used. Another downfall to consider is that tanked units tend to need replacement sooner than their tankless alternative.
Pros And Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters
While tanked heaters are typically lower in price initially, tankless heaters may be worth the investment for your home. A few advantages to consider are:
- Higher energy efficiency due to on-demand hot water production
- Lower energy bills over time
- They can last up to thirty years with proper maintenance
- They’re smaller and can fit into tight spaces
While these advantages are enticing, there are a few negative aspects of tankless heaters. They are usually more expensive to install, especially if you have more than one. Additionally, these systems may have trouble keeping up with a high demand for hot water, such as running the dishwasher and washing machine simultaneously.
Which Water Heater Is Better For Me?
Figuring out which type of unit to install depends on your personal circumstances. If you’re looking for a system that is cheaper to install and maintain, a tanked heater may be the better option. A tankless heater might be the choice of a homeowner who wants to be more energy efficient and save money over a longer timeframe.
Install A New Water Heater In Houston
If you’re ready to purchase a new water heating system, Mission AC & Plumbing is on the job! Our team is prepared to perform a professional water heater replacement in the Houston area. Remember, with Mission AC & Plumbing, your family is our family!
