Should you choose a tankless water heater or a regular water heater for your home?

Tankless water heaters are also called on-demand or instant water heaters as they offer hot water on demand, making them a more energy-efficient option than traditional water heaters. They generate hot water using high-powered gas burners or electric coils.

According to the latest consumer report, tankless water heaters, especially gas-powered ones, are around 22% more efficient compared to traditional water heaters. In short, you can say that tankless water heaters have many more pros than traditional water heaters and are an excellent long-term investment.

For more information, let’s deep dive into the tankless vs. tank water heater pros and cons.

Offers instant hot water

Once it flushes cold water from the pipes out from the taps, this water heater can deliver unending hot water right away. Thus, the tankless water heater truly lives up to its promise of offering hot water instantly.

Helps in saving money

A tankless water heater uses less energy, helping you save money in the long run. This type of water heater is ideal for those living in areas where energy costs are high.

Flexible placement options

The tankless water heater is compact and can easily be installed in tight spaces, such as a closet or small basement. Additionally, they can be mounted on the wall, making them perfect for small homes.

Have longer lifespan

This is another considerable advantage of a tankless water heater over a regular water heater. A tankless water heater typically has a longer lifespan of around 20 years.

They are energy efficient

According to a report from the US Department of Energy, tankless water heaters save around 24% to 34% more energy than tank water heaters. So, if you’re aiming to reduce energy bills, installing a tankless water heater is a smart decision.

Have inconsistent temperatures

According to consumer reports, inconsistent temperature is one of the biggest complaints about tankless water heaters. Experts for Tankless water heater installation in Los Angeles say this issue occurs because the heater cannot supply enough hot water to multiple faucets at once.

Cannot work in a power outage

If there is no power in your home, your tankless water heater will not produce hot water. So, if you live in an area with frequent power outages, a tankless water heater may not be the best choice unless you have a generator to provide backup power.

High up-front costs

A tankless water heater can cost three to four times more than a traditional tank water heater. Although installment options may be available, it can still be expensive, especially when replacing a standard storage water heater.

Delivers flow-rate challenges

If you use multiple showers or faucets at the same time, a tankless water heater may struggle to supply enough hot water. This happens when the heater’s size doesn’t match the household’s hot water demands.

You need additional equipment

To ensure smooth operation, you’ll likely need to install a water softener with your tankless water heater. This adds extra cost and takes up additional space in your home.

Installation is costly

Although a tankless water heater takes up less space than a traditional one, installation costs are usually higher. This is because tankless water heater installation in Los Angeles often requires rerouting gas lines, venting, and other modifications.

Read More - What Makes Tankless Water Heaters a Great Investment for Homeowners

Conventional or traditional storage water heaters remain the trusted choice of domestic homes. It is a water heating electrical appliance that comes with a large tank to store hot water for a longer period. Storage water heaters are connected to the main water line of the home by which water enters inside the tank from one pipe. After it gets heated, it comes from another pipe through the faucets.

Once your usage is complete, the remaining hot water will remain stored in the tank. However, if you want the water to remain hot for a longer period, tanks are equipped with insulation coatings.

They are inexpensive

Everyone wants an efficient water heater that offers hot water without issues and high costs. In that case, storage water heaters are the right, affordable choice for most households.

They come in varied sizes

This is one of the best advantages of a storage water heater — units can store roughly 30 to 80 gallons of water. Choose the right size unit to meet your household needs.

For example, a family of 2–3 people might choose a 30–40 gallon unit, while a household of 5–6 people may prefer a 60 gallon heater. If you’re unsure, contact a professional for guidance.

Helps in saving energy

Modern storage water heaters include energy-saving features. If your goal is an energy-efficient unit, opt for a high-rated model and consult a professional for proper water heater installation.

Affordable installation service

Installation costs for storage water heaters are generally lower than for instant (tankless) units. Storage heater installation is straightforward and manufacturers typically supply the needed materials, simplifying the process.

They are equipped with advanced technology

Manufacturers now offer storage water heaters with advanced features such as smart controls (for personalized hot showers) and Wi-Fi connectivity so you can monitor and control the unit remotely.

They come with a shorter life span

A storage water heater costs less, but it also has a shorter lifespan. On average, a storage water heater lasts about 10 to 12 years — less than half the lifespan of most tankless water heaters.

The size is big

If your home lacks space, installing a storage water heater may not be ideal. These units occupy a lot of room and are not suitable for smaller houses or apartments.

More risks

There have been cases where storage water heaters exploded due to improper installation or internal faults. Mineral buildup from hard water and tank corrosion can also cause the anode rod to fail, increasing safety risks.

Have difficulty operating

Storage water heaters can sometimes face issues such as providing insufficient hot water or inconsistent performance. Their operation may also seem complex to the average homeowner, making maintenance and troubleshooting more challenging.

In the battle of tankless vs. tanked water heaters, tankless water heaters win in many categories. Although the initial installation cost of a tankless unit is high, it saves money in the long run by reducing energy consumption by up to 22% compared to traditional storage water heaters. Additionally, a tankless water heater is ideal for small homes.

Once you decide to install a tankless water heater in your home, hire a professional for water heater installation in Los Angeles.

If you are looking for the best company for water heater installation or water heater repair in Los Angeles, then EZ Plumbing USA is the right choice. With over 20 years of experience and a long list of satisfied clients, they are a trusted name in the industry. All their professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured, ensuring reliable and safe service.