Getting your water heater replaced is no easy task. Whether it’s at the end of its lifespan or it’s giving you problems, one thing you should ask yourself is what kind of water heater is best for you. In some cases, homeowners benefit from switching to a tanked or tankless unit.
Each type of water heater has its own benefits, and they can reshape your home in different ways. After Hour Plumbing & Drain would love to guide you on your water heater journey. Here, we’ll compare how these two units differ in cost and performance.
How Do They Compare In Size?
If size is a big factor in your home, tankless systems are your go-to option. An average tanked system needs to hold about 55 gallons of water. This means these models can reach up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Replacement storage tanks can also take up more space despite them being the same capacity as your old system.
Homes with a large closet or basement can use that space for their water heater, but homes without can install a tankless model. A tankless system uses heat exchangers to increase the temperature of your water. This means these types of systems don’t need to store water in their system. Since they don’t need extra water storage, the average unit can stand around 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide.
A tankless water heater may work best in your home if you need extra space.
How Do They Compare In Water Heater Installation Costs?
If you’re looking at the initial installation costs, a tanked model is less expensive and easier to replace — especially if you already have one installed in your home. But for those looking to switch to a tankless unit, the initial cost can be more pricey.
Because they take more effort to install, the price of installation can be higher. Tankless systems have different hookups for their venting and gas supply requirements. This means our team has to install larger pipes for your home — and for electric units, you may need to upgrade your electrical services.
Tanked units are the best option for those who want to spend less on their initial water heater installation.
How Do They Compare In Energy Usage?
Energy usage can differ between gas and electric models of both tanked and tankless models. Overall, tankless models will use less energy for the same results as a tanked unit.
To compare the difference between these models, we can see how each type of tank works when they heat their water to 120°F. While they have similar flow rates, the big difference comes from how efficiently they can maintain that temperature. If we take the average price of $10.86 per 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas, this would be the hypothetical cost of energy for each type of unit:
- Traditional Gas Water Heater: $245
- Traditional Electric Water Heater: $580
- Tankless Gas Water Heater: $195
- Tankless Gas Electric Water Heater: $535
Tankless systems can function more efficiently, which means they will save you money on utility bills. If you want to start saving money for the future, a tankless unit could be perfect for your home.
After Hour Plumbing & Draining + Our Monterey Water Heater Replacement Services
Getting the right plumbers on the job is the first step to a successful water heater installation. After Hour Plumbing & Draining would love to help our clients, new and returning, with any services they need for their system. Contact us today and we’ll help you choose the right unit for your home.
