Conventional Vs. Tankless Water Heaters

What Should I Choose?

When it comes time to choose a new water heater, there are many options available to you. Making a smart choice is important, because about 20 percent of your home energy bill comes from heating the water you need for your taps and appliances.

One of the main decisions you’ll have to make when it comes time to buy your water heater (besides how you’re going to power it…we highly recommend propane gas) is whether to choose a conventional (storage-type) water heater or a tankless water heater. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, as we’ll see.

Why choose a propane tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater can be a great option, offering unlimited hot water and high-efficiency in a small, compact form factor (we always recommend them for new construction – see below). The key advantages of a tankless water heater are:

• Long-term energy savings – You can save 20 percent or more on your energy bills with a tankless water heater compared to conventional high-efficiency propane water heater; the savings is even greater when compared to electric-fired models.
• Placement flexibility – Tankless water heaters are about the size of a suitcase and can be mounted on walls, in crawlspaces – even in closets. They’re a great option for space-challenged homes.
• Longer lifespan – A tankless water heater typically lasts much longer than a conventional water heater, giving you a better return on your investment.
• Hot water on demand – Tankless water heaters instantly heat water on demand, which means that as long as water is flowing into your house and reaching the heating element of your tankless unit, you’ll never run out of hot water. It also means you won’t have to pay to reheat water that’s been sitting in a storage tank in your cold basement, the way you would with a conventional water heater.

Since it has no tank, the capacity of a tankless water heater is measured by how much water it can heat in a minute. You need to make sure your tankless model has enough capacity to meet your family’s demands for hot water. Our experts can help you do that, then install it in the right place, the right way.

When is a conventional water heater a good choice?

While they won’t offer the same benefits as tankless water heaters, conventional water heaters can be a great choice for your home, especially:

• If cost is an issue (conventional water heaters typically cost less than tankless water heaters)
• If you’re single, or a couple that doesn’t use large amounts of water, and are replacing a standard gas tank heater
• If you plan to move in the next few years

Summing up

When it comes to choosing between a conventional and a tankless water heater, here’s our summary recommendation:

• For new construction, or for larger families and efficiency-conscious / space-challenged homeowners, tankless heaters are the best choice.
• If you’re a young couple just starting out, if money is tight, or if a move is on the short-term horizon, a conventional water heater might be the better move.

Whatever choice you make, go for the highest efficiency model you can afford – and be sure to get a professional to help you size and install your water heater for years of trouble-free service.

Ready for a domestic water heater upgrade? We can help. Contact us today for a FREE, no obligation estimate on expert water heater installations in southern NJ!