Tankless Water Heaters vs. Traditional Water Heaters
The Difference Between
Tankless & Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, use high-powered burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger and deliver it directly to your faucets or shower without storing it in a tank. Tankless water heaters are usually powered with electricity or gas.
Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters
Traditional storage tank water heaters, on the other hand, use an insulated tank that typically holds 40-75 gallons of water to heat and store the water until it’s needed. A pipe emerges from the top of the tank to deliver hot water to its destination (kitchen, bathroom, or other sinks).
Benefits of Installing a Tankless Water Heater
Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
For many homeowners, considering a new tankless water heater installation can be a challenge. While there is an increased upfront cost, a new tankless unit offers plenty of benefits. Not only is it a great way to upgrade any home, but homeowners can expect:
- Reduced energy consumption and utility costs
- Smaller size for flexible installation in more locations (even outside)
- No tank to leak or cause flooding
- Up to twice the lifespan of conventional water heaters
- Possible city offered rebates and discounts for the installation of tankless water heaters (Call (951) 289-5514 to learn more!)
Compared to a Traditional Water Heater
A traditional gas water heater generally utilizes a large storage tank of 40-75 gallons that is constantly heated. Usually, these tanks hold enough hot water to meet the needs of the entire home; however, they can take a long time to refill and reheat as they age.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Tankless Water Heaters vs. Traditional Water Heaters
About the Basics
What is a tankless water heater?
How can a tankless water heater heat water instantly?
Is a tankless water heater better than a regular tank water heater?
Can you take a long shower with a tankless water heater?
About the Benefits
How much money can I save?
Will a tankless water heater increase my electric bill?
How long will it take for a tankless water heater to pay for itself?
Besides saving money, what other benefits are there of using a tankless water heater?
Is a tankless water heater more energy efficient than a storage tank water heater?
Yes! Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient because it only heats water when you need it. Unlike storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters do not waste energy by having to keep the tank heated 24/7.
About the Size
Will one tankless water heater be enough to heat my entire home?
It depends on the size of your household and their demand for hot water, especially during peak hours. Call Pipeline Plumbing & Drain Specialists today to select the right tankless water heater for your home needs.
How do I properly size my tankless water heater?
To determine the correct size for your tankless water heater, we’ll first need to determine how much hot water you typically consume, including the number of appliances you wish to run and their total flow rate (gallons per minute). Our team at Pipeline Plumbing & Drain Specialists can help match you with the right tankless water heater for your residential needs. Give us a call today at (951) 289-5514 for a complementary phone consultation.
How many bathrooms can a tankless water heater handle?
What size tankless water heater do I need to replace a 40-gallon water heater?
To replace a 40-gallon tank water heater with a tankless water heater, here are a few guidelines:
- A household of 2-3 people sharing 1 bathroom may be able to replace their storage tank water heater with a 4.5 GPM tankless water heater.
- A household of 3-4 people sharing 2 bathrooms should be able to replace their storage tank water heater with a 6.5 GPM tankless heater.
Give Pipeline Plumbing & Drain Specialists a call today to determine the right sized tankless water heater for your household needs.
About the Potential Downsides
What are the downsides of a tankless water heater?
What are the most common problems with tankless water heaters?
Can you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater?
Yes, when the tankless water heater is overwhelmed by the demand. For example, running 2 showers simultaneously with the washer and dishwasher. Call Pipeline Plumbing & Drain Specialists today to discuss the right size tankless water heater for you and your household needs.
Water Heater Cost Differences
Tankless water heaters do cost more than a traditional storage tank water heater, but tankless varieties last much longer – anywhere between 20-30 years, which is double that of conventional models. And because they are much more energy efficient, tankless models can save you hundreds of dollars on water and electricity bills each month.
If you are considering a tankless water heater, our 5-star rated service team can help to walk you through your options. From installation location to size and type of tankless heater, we’re here to help you understand what to consider when selecting your new water heater.
Contact our team at Pipeline Plumbing & Drain Specialists today for honest, realistic advice about all of your residential water heater needs!
