Tankless Water Heaters vs. Tank Water Heaters: Which One Is Best?

3/30/2019

A water heater should work for longer than a decade with proper upkeep. But, many homeowners don’t realize that they have options when it comes to these appliances! Beyond the traditional model, there may be alternatives that are more applicable to your family’s needs. Two of the main types of water heaters are tank and tankless, and here at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas, we wanted to break down the benefits of each to help you make the right decision.
The Pros and Cons of Traditional Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters are more common because they’re the original style. They’re the “tried and true” option, and you can purchase specific types based on the number of people living in your home or its energy method, like propane, electricity, or natural gas.

In a traditional tank water heater, a limited amount of water is heated up and ready to use until it runs out and the water heater is able to replace it. They are easy to install, affordable, and can be used in an emergency situation where a safe supply of water is needed.

But, there are some drawbacks to a tank water heater. For starters, the water is finite; you only have the capacity of the tank for use, at least until the tank can heat “new” water. So, if the tank you have is too small for the amount of hot water needed, you and other household members are going to wait for it.

Additionally, the lifespan of a tank water heater is between 10-15 years, which is lengthy, but also not as long as other options. Tank water heaters also waste energy from what’s called “standby loss,” or hot water that cools down after having been heated due to lack of use. Lastly, a large tank always has the potential to leak and cause water damage to your property if not caught soon enough.

Despite a few drawbacks, many people prefer tank water heaters because of their reliability.

Tankless Water Heaters: Benefits and Drawbacks
Tankless water heaters are a modern alternative to tank water heaters that provide instant hot water whenever it’s needed. That’s one of their main benefits! They heat up water as needed, practically eliminating energy waste. Tankless models have the potential to save both money and water, and have a beneficial environmental impact, too. These are machines that can bring added efficiency to your home, save you space, and last you a whopping 20 years or more.

The drawbacks of a tankless water heater include the cost; they are a more expensive machine to purchase than traditional models, and not every property will be compatible to host one based on their production needs. Lastly, a tankless water heater has limits, and will likely not keep up with a running dishwasher, showering, and other chores requiring hot water if expected all at once. But, if you know that going in, a tankless water heater may be a good choice for you.

Try Before You Buy: Tankless Water Heaters at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas
For a limited time, you can try a tankless water heater in your home before you commit to buying one. If you’re approaching the time to replace your water heater, this could be a great opportunity for you to try a tankless model! Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas today for details. This is an option on approved credit; restrictions may apply.