Water heaters are essential to keeping Boston homes comfortable and functional. Although all water heaters are responsible for supplying your home with warm water, not all water heaters are built the same. For decades, storage tank water heaters have been the standard for homeowners. However, over the past few years, their tankless counterparts are starting to become more popular. These water heaters are praised for their energy efficiency – an enticing characteristic since heating water represents the second-costliest utility expense for the average homeowner. But are they really all they’re cracked up to be?
Here, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of traditional and tankless water heaters to help Boston homeowners determine which is best for their needs.
Purchase & Installation Costs
One of the first questions homeowners have about new appliances is the upfront costs.
Since most Boston homeowners currently use storage tank water heaters, the price of switching between tankless and traditional water heater should be considered. If your water heater system is up for replacement, making the switch might be best time consider all options.
Energy Efficiency
Although you might save some hard-earned cash initially when choosing a storage-tank water heater, you won’t want to forget about long-term costs. When it comes to energy efficiency, tankless models far outpace their more conventional, tank-reliant cousins. In fact, this is one of the primary selling points of these newer models. Both electric and gas tankless water heaters operate more efficiently than tank units that use the same type of fuel. One of the main reasons storage tank heaters run up energy bills is due to standby heat loss – the amount of energy lost as the water stands around waiting to be used. According to the US Department of Energy, tankless water heaters are up to 34% more efficient than storage water heaters. That translates into a lot of savings each month.
Lifespan
Another important factor for Boston homeowners to consider when deciding between on-demand and storage tank water heaters is lifespan. Even though conventional models are slightly more affordable at the onset than their tankless counterparts, both of these systems represent sizable investments that should last at least a decade.
If longevity is your primary goal, you’ll want to make the switch to tankless water heaters which are estimated to last for two decades or more. Alternatively, storage tank water heaters are estimated to last anywhere between 10 and 15 years. No matter which system you get, routine water heater maintenance can extend its lifespan considerably while ensuring you don’t experience any hot water issues.
Performance
Tankless water heaters might beat traditional storage tank models when it comes to energy efficiency, but they take a backseat with performance. As long as your storage tank water heater’s capacity is suitable for your home’s consumption, you shouldn’t ever have to worry about running out of hot water.
Since the water is already preheated in the tank, it’s immediately available no matter what appliance you want to use. The same can’t be said about tankless water heaters which can have a tough time keeping up when you’re using more than one appliance. Of course, you can always install multiple tankless systems if you’re set on this model.
Which Model Wins the Water Heater War?
When compared side-by-side, there’s no obvious winner between tankless and traditional water heaters. Each has its own advantages and downsides. The energy efficiency of tankless units can cut down on your monthly bills, but you’ll need to remain mindful about how many appliances your run at once.
Storage tank water heaters can give you years of hot water yet come with steeper operational costs. Initial expenses for tankless models are more than conventional models, but their increased efficiency will save you money in the long run. So how do you determine which is best for your home? That’s where a specialist comes into play.
Considering a Tankless Water Heater?
Whether you’re moving into a new place or replacing your water heater, it’s important to consider which model is right for you. Feel free to reach out to Boston Standard Plumbing for a free consultation or to schedule an installation appointment.
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Water Heaters
