Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank: The Pros and Cons

When you live in the vibrant multicultural community of North York, there are few things you'll be left wanting. From a diverse range of housing options to North York's festivals like AholaFest and GhanaFest, displaying the district's rich and diverse cultural communities, it's one of the most coveted districts in Toronto. And, as all homeowners know in the GTA, you'll need assistance with your plumbing systems from time to time. That includes your water heater. When it's time for an installation or replacement for your heated water, you'll need help deciding between a tankless water heater vs. a tank model in North York.

Our local North York plumber will help you weigh the pros and cons and help you make an informed decision when you're deciding between a tankless water heater vs. a tank. After all, our experienced and insured plumbers have years of experience in the plumbing industry servicing tankless water heaters vs. tank heaters and more. Now let's dive into the costs and benefits of choosing a traditional water heater vs. tankless.

Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless: How A Hot Water Heater Works

Whether you have an electric heater or a gas heater, the operation of a water heater is essentially the same. The hot water system takes in the cold water entering the house from your main water supply line and heats it up in preparation for dishwasher, washing machine, laundry, or bathing use by converting energy into heat.

The differences between tankless water heaters vs. tanks are numerous. Let's find out the main differences between tankless water heaters vs. tanks and the pros and cons of each.

Traditional Tank Water Heaters: Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless

Tank water heaters are the most common type you'll find in modern homes, though more and more homes are opting to switch over to tankless in recent years. Conventional water heaters can be powered by either fuel type of gas or electricity and operate through the use of three main pipes. The first pipe allows cold water to enter the home. The second pipe moves used hot water outdoors. The third is a safety valve operation that releases and regulates the water in the tank.

At the bottom of the conventional storage tank heater is a heating element, which heats the cold water. The hot water then rises to the top of the tank to be used on demand. When hot water is not being used, however, the tank will continue to use energy to heat the water in the tank, wasting gallons of water and enhancing heat loss. If all the water in the tank is used up, it may take some time to heat up again.

Tankless Models: Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank

Tankless water heaters are often praised as the more energy-efficient of the two kinds of heaters. Tankless units have a heating coil encompassing the water pipe, so that water can be heated only as needed. There are different kinds of tankless heaters — natural gas, electric, or propane.

In terms of energy efficiency, natural gas-run tankless units are better suited for homeowners with bigger households who already have a gas furnace in their home and use a high amount of hot water regularly.

Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless: Which Is Better?

Now that you know the basic differences between a tankless water heater and a tank heater, let's explore the benefits and possible setbacks of each type.

Upfront Cost

When trying to decide on a tankless water heater vs. a tank heater, the initial installation costs of a tankless water heater are significantly higher than a tank water heater. This is mostly due to comprehensive modifications. Most homes have a tank model already in place, whereas a tankless install will require modifications that include installing water line and gas connections behind the walls. Despite the initial cost, the tankless heater ends up saving you more in the long run than your current water heater due to lowered energy bills and saved energy costs. When you're trying to decide on a tankless water heater vs. a tank, bear these things in mind.

Efficiency

A good portion of your energy bill is likely being used to keep the water in your tank hot for traditional models, resulting in standby energy losses. Because tankless heaters only heat water as needed, the energy savings over time are significant, making them the more energy-efficient option.

Cost of Operation

Determining operating costs is a little tricky. Costs of operation will depend on how many people are using the hot water heating system in your home and how often. But, putting aside upfront costs of installation, the operation costs of a tankless heater will generally be lower due to its water-on-demand heating system, affording you savings on utility bills.

Lifespan

Tank heater's lifespans are relatively short at a mere 10–15 years, whereas tankless models require less upkeep and have a longer lifespan of 20 or more years. These factors can result in long-term savings for North York's community of homeowners and are an important factor when weighing out the pros and cons of a tankless water heater and a tank-style heater.

Additionally, your tankless heater is likely on the newer side, since tanks are still standard in most households. This means your tankless heater has barely scratched the surface through its lifespan, whereas your tank model may already be nearing the end of its own life.

Tank Water Heater Vs. Tankless: Make an Informed Decision with Mr. Rooter Plumbing—Call Us Today

Are you ready to say goodbye to those high electric bills? When it's time for a water heater replacement or installation, don't hesitate to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of North York for the job. Whether you're deciding between a tankless water heater vs. a tank heater or need assistance with any of our other offered services, such as sewer and drain cleaning, sump pump services, faucet repair, and more, we'll be there.

Contact us today to schedule service for your tankless water vs. tank heater and more! We'll help with your professional installation with our advanced technologies and get your plumbing back on track.