Traditional vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Pros, Cons, and What to Consider

traditional vs tankless water heater

At Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric, we have proudly served Lubbock, TX, and the surrounding areas since 1934. We hold ourselves to core values like integrity, innovation, customer satisfaction, commitment, and building strong relationships. These values guide everything we do, from helping you choose the right water heater to ensuring your home is always comfortable. In this blog, I will talk about traditional and tankless water heaters, their pros and cons, and what you should think about before you decide which one is right for your property.

What is a Traditional Water Heater?

A traditional water heater has a big tank that stores and heats water. The water stays hot until you are ready to use it. When you turn on the hot water tap, water from the tank flows into your sink or shower. These heaters often hold between 30 and 50 gallons of water, depending on the size you choose. Once the hot water is used up, the tank refills and heats more water. This is a simple system that many people are used to.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater heats water on demand. Instead of storing water, it uses powerful burners or electric elements to heat the water as it passes through the unit. This design helps save energy because you are not heating water when you do not need it. It also provides a steady flow of hot water, which can be helpful for families with high water usage. If you are thinking about a tankless water heater install, you might be excited about the promise of endless hot water and lower energy bills.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Water Heaters

There are some clear benefits to traditional units. First, they cost less to buy and install. They are also easy to find and can fit into many homes. However, there are drawbacks as well. Traditional heaters use energy to keep water hot, even when you are not using it. They also have a limited supply of hot water, which can be a problem if you have a big family or like long showers. If the tank runs out of hot water, you have to wait for it to heat up again.

Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons

When I look at tankless water heater pros and cons, I see some big benefits. A tankless water heater is more efficient than a traditional one. It only uses energy when you turn on the hot water. It also saves space because it is smaller and can be mounted on a wall. Another benefit is that you get hot water on demand, so you usually never run out of hot water. On the other hand, the initial cost can be higher, and you might need updates to your gas line or electric system to handle the extra load. That can increase the cost of your tankless water heater install.

What to Consider Before a Tankless Water Heater Install

Before you decide on a tankless system, think about your budget. The up-front cost can be higher, but you might save money in the long run because of lower energy bills. You also need to look at the size of your home and the number of people who live there. A larger household might need more than one tankless unit to keep up with hot water demand. Another key point is making sure your home has the right gas or electric supply. Finally, I suggest talking to a trusted professional at Armstrong to see if a tankless system is the best fit for your situation.

Water Heater Installation in Lubbock, TX

At Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric, we understand that choosing the right water heater is important. We are always here to help you with water heater repairs, a new water heater installation, or any other plumbing concerns you may have in home or business.

To learn more about the right water for your Lubbock area property, contact Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric today to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified and trained plumbers.