What's the Difference Between Traditional and Tankless Water Heaters?
At GMC Heating and Cooling, we not only pride ourselves on our HVAC services in Stark County, we also understand the importance of having hot water. That’s why today, we’re going to explore the difference between traditional and tankless water heaters.
If your water heater is down for the count in Stark County, and you want to be able to take a hot shower as soon as possible, contact GMC Heating and Cooling today. We offer a 24/7 Emergency Contact Line and will have you scheduled as soon as possible to get you taken care of.
When it’s time to replace your water heater, here are a few key differences that you should think about while making the decision:
What’s the difference between a Tank and a Tankless Water Heater?
How a Tankless Water Heater Works
Tankless water heaters operate by using high-powered variable BTU burners that heat water quickly, and on demand. The water passes through the heating source and then directly to your faucets and appliances when you turn them on, rather than storing a large amount of water in a tank and keeping that water hot all the time. Tankless systems also allow you to choose between having a central water heater for the entire home - or smaller sub-units that operate room to room.
How a Traditional Water Heater Works
A traditional tank water heater is usually a multi-layer insulated cylinder that holds 20-80 gallons of water at a time. When you turn on the hot water somewhere in the house, hot water is pulled from the top of the tank (because hot water rises). As you use up your hot water supply, cold water is pumped into the bottom of your tank to replace what you’ve used. Depending on the size of your tank, and how many people are using water at the same time in your home, you could run out. This results in lukewarm water being pushed throughout your home until the tank has a chance to reheat all of the cold water that was just pumped into the bottom of the tank.
Cost Comparison
One of the main differentiators for most customers in Stark County trying to decide between a traditional water heater and a tankless water heater is cost. Tankless water heaters may require additional investment depending on if you need to update wiring or alter any existing plumbing.
Traditional water heaters, whether gas or electric, generally are less expensive than their Tankless counterparts. Most homes in Canton, Louisville, and other cities around Stark County are outfitted with plumbing that is already prepped for a traditional tank, so if you’re on a budget or not very keen on making any electrical or plumbing updates to your home this option would be your way to go.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Worth the Cost?
Tankless water heaters should be looked at as a long-term investment, not just a purchase. If you’re planning on selling your home at some point in the future, or are trying to be more energy-conscious, installing a tankless water heating system in your home could be a great option for you.
Life Expectancy of Water Heaters
Another reason that our technicians here at GMC Heating and Cooling may recommend a tankless water heating system for your Stark County home, is the length of time they last. Compared to traditional tank systems, which have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, tankless water heaters can last 20+ years. This means that you could potentially have to replace a traditional tank system, halfway through the lifespan of a tankless water heater.
When you’re trying to decide between these two systems, it’s best to get a professional opinion prior to making the decision. Our technicians at GMC Heating and Cooling are always standing by ready to help customers figure out their needs. If you’re a resident of Stark County, give us a call today!
