A few generations ago, a hot water shower was a luxury. Fast forward to today, and water heaters are a necessity in nearly every home and business. In fact, we even have options. With so many models on the market, it’s no wonder property owners scratch their heads trying to decide which one to buy.
Among the growing options, tankless water heaters stand out by promising an endless supply of hot water and greater efficiency. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we specialize in both tank-style and tankless water heater installations and plumbing services, but we’ve found tankless ones to be gaining in popularity. Let’s explore why.
Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters: What’s the Difference?
Traditional water heaters, also known as tank-style heaters, are the standard in many homes. These units store a specific amount of water (commonly 40 to 80 gallons) in an insulated tank. The water is heated and maintained at a set temperaturefor use when you turn on a faucet or shower.While reliable, tank-style heaters have limitations. They waste energy to keep the tank hot 24/7, and they tend to run out of hot water during heavy use.
Enter the tankless water heater: a modern alternative that heats water on demand. Instead of storing hot water, these units use powerful heating elements to heat water as it flows through the piping. This innovative design eliminates the need for a storage tank and provides an endless supply of efficiently heated water.
Why Go Tankless?
Switching to a tankless water heater offers several advantages that homeowners and businesses have noticed. Let’s look at the top 5:
- Say goodbye to cold showers. A tankless system provides a continuous flow of hot water with a seemingly endless supply.
- Since tankless units heat water only when needed, they use significantly less energy than traditional heaters.
- Without a bulky tank, these compact units can be mounted on walls and save you valuable floor space.
- Tankless water heaters typically last up to 20 years with proper maintenance, much longer than traditional models.
- Reduced energy usage means a smaller carbon footprint.
With that said, it’s worth noting that tankless water heaters do come with a higher upfront cost compared to traditional models. However, the energy savings and longer lifespan often offset the initial investment over time.
Gas-Powered vs. Electric Tankless Water Heaters
If you’ve decided to go tankless, the next question is: gas or electric? Both options have their pros and cons, so your choice will depend on your home’s setup, budget, and hot water needs.
Gas-powered tankless water heaters offer higher flow rates and are more efficient for heating larger volumes of water, but their installation can be more complex and expensive due to the need for proper ventilation and gas line connections.
Electric tankless water heaters, meanwhile, are simpler and less expensive to install. They also tend to be more compact and versatile. On the downside, their lower flow rates may not meet the demands of larger households.
Let Our Plumber Help
Whether you need help deciding on a water heater or are looking for a trained plumber to handle the installation, the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing are here to help. Call or message us at any time of the day – or night – to get in touch with a member of our team.
