Traditional vs. Tankless: What’s the Difference?

It’s not easy to decide between a traditional and a tankless water heater for your home. There are advantages and disadvantages to both these types of heaters, and if you’re finding it hard to choose, you can contact seasoned water heater repair pros from Corona, CA to help you out. However, it is still important to know what the main differences between conventional and tankless heaters are, and what aspects you should consider when making your choice.

What is the difference between a traditional and a tankless water heater?

The most obvious distinction between these two types of water heaters is that one comes with a water tank, and the other does not. However, while being familiar with the operational differences is important and interesting, it’s even more important to know the end-user benefits you can expect from these water heaters.

That is why we are going to separate the differences between these water heaters into four categories that will most impact you as an owner:

• Maintenance and installation
• Costs
• Efficiency
• Convenience

Conventional water heaters

Conventional water heaters have a tank, heating element, as well as pressure and temperature valves. The heating element heats up the water that then remains within the insulated tank, ready to be used when you need it. Here are their characteristics: 

• Maintenance and installation: They are very easy to install and do not require much maintenance outside regular flushing ro remove build-up. However, you will probably need to replace them every 10 to 12 years.
• Costs: Traditional water heaters are less expensive to purchase and install. However, they do have relatively higher operating costs. 
• Efficiency: Conventional water heaters are constantly running so that the water stored in them is always ready. While it can be great to have a supply of hot water ready, that does come at slightly higher costs. 
• Convenience: On the one hand, these water heaters store hot water so you can use it at your leisure. On the other hand, once you use up all the available hot water, you will have to wait for some time until the tank is full of hot water again. 

Tankless water heaters

Tankless water heaters have no tank for storing hot water. They heat water as it passes through them. Here’s what you should consider if you’re thinking of installing a tankless water heater in your home. 

• Maintenance and installation: These heaters are designed to be more durable and to require less maintenance. They can last as many as 20 years and generally come with a 10-year warranty. However, they are a bit more complicated to install. 
• Costs: Tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase than traditional ones, and they are more expensive to install. 
• Efficiency: These models are a lot more energy efficient than conventional water heaters. They do not run constantly, but only when you need hot water and turn the faucet on “hot”. 
• Convenience: Tankless water heaters do not store water and hot water is not available immediately on demand. However, they do heat water rather quickly, so you will not have to wait too long to have a shower. 

Which water heater repair technicians from Corona, CA can help me decide between a tanked and tankless water heater?

Deciding between a tankless and a tanked water heater is similar to making your choice among the many different types of water heaters. There are various factors to consider before making a purchase, but you should also pay close attention to your personal needs and preferences before buying a heater. However, if you’re still finding it difficult to choose between a tanked and tankless heater, you can always turn to OneStop Plumbers for help.

We’re here to provide all the information and advice you need and help you make an informed decision on the water heater to buy. We have years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing water heaters which gives us the know-how to help you choose. And, once you purchase a heater, we will come to your home near Dairyland Park or another location to professionally install it and tell you which temperature to set your heater to. Call us today!