Many homeowners don’t give their water heaters a second thought. But it’s thanks to them that we can enjoy hot water in our homes at any point throughout the day. Water heaters are a vital part of our lives. We depend on them so much that according to the Energy Star program from the US Department of Energy, they make up the second-largest energy user in homes, right behind space heating and cooling.
There are two main types of water heaters: traditional and tankless. Which should you choose when your water heater needs replacing? What kind is best for your home? Blanco AC understands that it can be confusing to understand the difference between the two, so we’ll be discussing each type below.
Traditional vs. Tankless
Traditional Water Heaters
Most homeowners are familiar with the traditional style of water heater. In fact, according to Energy Star, most households have this type of heater, making up about 97% of the market.
Typically found in the utility area of your home, this water heater is shaped like a cylinder and keeps your water at a constant temperature and pressure – holding anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons of water. Fueled by either gas, oil, propane or electricity, traditional water essentially eaters heat the water that’s delivered to your home non-stop.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as instant water heaters, differ from the traditional water heater style – they’re installed inside your walls. They’re also a lot smaller because they don’t actually hold any water! These heaters work by instantly heating water that’s passed through the tank. Similar to traditional water heaters, however, they’re fueled by either propane, gas or electricity. These heaters work on demand, meaning when hot water isn’t being used, they won’t use any fuel.
Life Expectancy
The normal lifespan of a water heater varies based on model and age. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, however, traditional water heaters last around 10 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years or more. Tankless heaters also have easily replaceable parts, which can extend their life by several more years.
If you’re wondering whether your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, here are a few signs to look out for:
- You have a model older than 10 years old
- Running out of hot water faster
- Rusty water running out of tap
- Hissing or sizzling noises
Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency, tankless water heaters beat traditional water heaters by a long shot. If you think about it, it makes sense – traditional water heaters work 24/7 while tankless water heaters work on demand. Tankless water heaters may use more energy when in use, but they use less energy overall because they’re not running constantly.
In fact, Energy Star has shown that tankless heaters use about 10 percent less energy compared to standard water heaters. Not only that, but they can also save four-person households hundreds of dollars over their lifetime.
Costs
Initially, tankless water heaters are more costly than traditional water heaters. However, by using significantly less energy, tankless water heaters save you money in the long run. Not only that, but because tankless heaters use newer, improved technology, they will last you longer as well.
If these factors weren’t enough to convince you to switch to a tankless heater, here are a few more benefits to consider:
- Unlimited hot water
- More space in utility area
- Increased home market value
Contact Us At Blanco AC!
If you’re interested in boosting your home’s energy efficiency with a tankless heater, call Blanco AC today! Our service technicians would be happy to better understand the benefits to switching to a tankless heating system. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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