Depending on your household’s hot water needs, you may weigh the pros and cons of a traditional water heater versus a tankless model. There are several things to consider that affect efficiency, hot water production, longevity, and more. Pilgrim Plumbing, Inc. can provide you with the information you need to make an appropriate choice.
Considering Cost and Your Budget
Investing in a new water heater of any kind is a big investment. However, a tankless model is going to cost you more money. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, considering that tankless models tend to be more efficient and can save you money in the long run. On average, a new tank-based water heater will cost around $1,600. A new tankless water heater model will cost about $2,500. This doesn’t consider the cost of installation.
Energy Efficiency
As we mentioned, a tankless water heater system costs more upfront, but it will save you more money over the course of its lifespan. On average, a tankless water heater is between 8% and 50% more efficient than a tank-based model, according to the United States Department of Energy. The savings you experience will depend on how frequently you need hot water and how hot you keep your system’s thermostat set to.
A tankless water heater will not produce hot water until you turn on your hot water faucet. This eliminates the need for running your heater just to keep the water in a tank warm for when you need it. Traditional heaters are very inefficient because of this process. Even if you’re on vacation or at work for the day, your equipment will run to maintain a specific temperature inside your tank.
You should see an ENERGY STAR rating on the water heater unit that you’re considering purchasing. The Environmental Protection Agency supports and monitors the process of assigning ENERGY STAR ratings. This rating will tell you important data, such as the cost of running a specific piece of equipment each year. Use this information along with the purchase price of a new water heater unit to determine what your most affordable option is.
Water Heater Placement
If you have plenty of space to work with, you may not be bothered by the size of a tank-based water heater setup. However, some people don’t have a basement or a utility closet. A tankless hot water heater system can be installed on a small section of wall. There’s more involved with the installation of a tankless system, so the installation cost may be higher. But you’re still saving space.
The setup of your plumbing system and power connections will determine the cost of the installation of a traditional water heater versus a tankless model. A tankless model usually requires more work, especially if you are making the switch from a tank-based model for the first time. A cold-water line will need to run to your tankless unit, where an internal heating element must be hooked up as well.
If you are replacing a traditional water heater with the same style of unit, the installation should be relatively affordable and straightforward. It shouldn’t take more than a few hours to complete.
Hot Water Demands
Consider the amount of hot water that your residence uses daily. If you’re in need of a traditional water heater, we recommend a tank that is 30 gallons for a household of one to two people. A household with three to four people should install a tank roughly 40 gallons in size. If you have a large household of five or more people, you should have a tank that is 50 gallons or more. You can also consider the installation of a tankless water heater for high water demands. You will have access to hot water whenever you turn on the faucet. Water isn’t heated until you need it.
Equipment Lifespan
The average life expectancy of a traditional water heater is eight to 12 years. A tankless model can last much longer, with an average life expectancy of 20 years or more. The life expectancy of your water heater will be longer if you keep up with scheduling routine maintenance on a yearly basis.
There are certain factors that can impact the longevity of your water heater. If you live in an area with hard water or other water quality issues, the equipment lifespan may be shorter. This applies to your other appliances that use water as well. The frequency with which you use hot water will also impact equipment longevity.
Maintenance Considerations
Both water heater models require ongoing maintenance. However, the tasks that are performed will differ. A traditional water heater should be inspected yearly. We will also drain your tank and flush it. This process removes sediment and mineral deposits from your tank, protecting the interior components and the structural integrity of the tank. An inspection of your tank will check for signs of corrosion, including excessive wear to the sacrificial anode rod on the inside of your tank. Certain parts may need to be replaced during routine maintenance.
Maintenance of a tankless water heater involves flushing the system as well. If you live in an area with high levels of minerals in the water or a lot of sediment, these things can accumulate on the interior components of the system. This can reduce equipment lifespan and cause more frequent repair needs. There may be a filter inside your tankless unit that we will replace. We also check your venting system and thermostat settings.
Considering Warranty Coverage and Support
A manufacturer warranty can be very useful in the instance that something malfunctions with your water heater, and you need to have repairs performed. If the issue is because of a faulty part or something other than wear and tear, coverage may take care of the cost of parts and labor. This will save you a lot of money. Check the warranty coverage for each unit you’re considering.
Tankless water heaters usually come with approximately 12 years of warranty coverage for the heat exchanger, five years for parts, and one year for labor. A traditional water heater can come with warranty coverage between one and 15 years, depending on the specific make and model. It’s best to find a water heater that will provide you with as much coverage as possible. This usually indicates that a brand stands by the quality of its products, providing you with peace of mind that your water heater is going to function for many years to come.
Our team here at Pilgrim Plumbing, Inc. can help you choose between a traditional or tankless hot water heater. We can also install your new equipment, provide routine maintenance, and perform emergency repairs. We can also help you address your water quality, perform drain cleaning, and help you take care of frozen pipes. Our team also works on gas lines and fittings. Contact Pilgrim Plumbing, Inc. in Norwell, MA today to schedule an appointment.
