Are you replacing your hot water heater?

If you’re in the market for a new water heater, you’re probably aware that there are two main types available: traditional heaters and tankless heaters.

These three considerations can help you choose the type of water heater that will be best for your home’s layout, your family’s water usage and your water bill.

1. Design Differences
Perhaps the biggest difference between tankless and traditional water heaters is in their designs. A conventional heater works by keeping a large tank of water heated to a set temperature all the time, so there is, in theory, always a tank of hot water ready to go. A tankless heater, on the other hand, heats water on demand and only when you need it.

2. Lifetime Cost Comparisons
Tankless water heaters typically cost more up front than traditional water heaters. On average, the cost of a new tankless system is more than twice the cost of a traditional model. Tankless heaters also tend to require more costly installation procedures. However, tankless water heaters have a much longer life expectancy. A well-maintained tankless heater can last for over 25 years while the average life expectancy of a traditional heater is around 10-12 years.

3. Energy Use Variations
One of the major selling points for tankless heaters is that they can substantially reduce your monthly water bill and energy use. Tankless heaters tend to use less energy than traditional models because they don’t keep a large tank of water hot all the time when not in use. While you can never run out of hot water with a tankless heater, it can only heat a certain volume of water at one time. For example, your water flow in the shower might be weak while the dishwasher is running. An experienced plumbing company can help you select the proper placement for a tankless heater based on your family’s normal water usage.

While tankless water heaters tend to require a bigger up-front investment, they outlast traditional models two-to-one and may significantly lower your Villa Park water bill and energy consumption in the meantime.