Traditional Water Heaters vs. Tankless Water Heaters
If you’re looking at different types of water heaters, you’ll undoubtedly come upon comparisons of tankless and conventional models. Most people associate the term “water heater” with the regular tank-type model that sits in a home’s utility room or closet. However, tankless models have been extremely popular in other parts of the world (chiefly Asia and Europe) for decades and are gaining traction in the U.S. At Metro Express Service, our experts want to help you make the right choice for your needs. Here’s a quick look at how tankless and conventional models stack up against each other.
The Difference
Typically, conventional water heaters store water in a 40- or 50-gallon tank. When you or someone else in your home takes a shower, the stored, heated water goes to where it is needed. The tank later fills with water, heats it, and the cycle goes on and on. A tankless model, on the other hand, only heats water as it is needed. As a result, energy is only used for however long you use hot water.
Which is Better?
Regardless of what some contractors will tell you, there is really no absolute answer to whether traditional or tankless water heaters are better. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. For example, conventional models typically use a lot of energy to heat water, and much of that energy is wasted. While tankless models are more efficient, many of them have limitations when it comes to using hot water in multiple locations at once. There may be short-term benefits to going the conventional route while tankless systems offer longer-term benefits. In general, if your demand for hot water is less than what it costs to store water in a tank, then a tankless system will likely be right for you.
Again, the best way of determining which type would be best for your home is to get in touch with a Metro Express Service professional. We’ll carefully analyze your needs and recommend the right one for you. To learn more, give us a call at 972-263-2500 or contact us online.