Traditional vs. Tankless Water Heater - Who Takes the Gold?
If you are in the market for a new water heater and aren’t sure whether to stick with a traditional model or switch to a tankless one, these pros and cons will help you determine the best option for your home and lifestyle.
Traditional Water Heater (Tank)
Pros
cheaper to purchase and lower installation cost
Technicians are more familiar with maintaining traditional water heaters, as they have been used more often
handles multiple appliance use without temperature drops or fluctuations
easier to maintain as they have a simpler, non-technical design
Cons
large appliance and takes up floor space
shorter lifespan of typically 8-12 years
Energy bills tend to be higher as the water is consistently reheated
limited pre-heated water capacity, so it’s possible to run out of hot water if there is a high demand
Tankless Water Heaters (On-Demand)
Pros
does not take up floor space as it’s compact and wall-mounted (great for smaller homes or apartments)
heats water only when the faucet is turned on, which means there is an endless supply of hot water
longer lifespan than traditional water heaters, from 16-18 years
less maintenance work is needed
energy efficient, which lowers the utility bill
cleaner water, as there is no tank for sediment buildup
Cons
higher upfront and installation costs
potentially requires plumbing or gas line upgrades, which can be costly
can struggle to maintain hot water with very high demand and simultaneous use, water may turn lukewarm or have reduced pressure
How Often Should You Service Your Water Heater
Whether a traditional or tankless water heater, we recommend servicing it at least once a year to flush out sediment and keep it running efficiently. However, if you have hard water, we recommend servicing every 6 months because minerals build up more quickly.
Annual Maintenance typically has Three Main Parts
Descaling/Flushing (most crucial step) - removes mineral deposits from the heat exchanger
Cleaning Filters - cleans the inlet water filter and air intake filter
A Visual Inspection - ensures there are no leaks or signs of damage
