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With more and more water heater options hitting the market, it’s more important than ever that homeowners and business owners understand the differences between tankless water heaters and traditional water heaters.

Tankless water heaters (also known as on-demand water heaters) take up less space while providing endless hot water. However, tankless water heaters require a larger investment at the outset. Traditional water heaters (also known as tank water heaters) offer greater initial affordability but need to be replaced every 8-12 years. In addition, tank water heaters recover slowly. That means you may have to wait for the tank to refill before you can get more hot water.

Bottom line, whether you are installing a brand new water heater or replacing an existing one, researching both traditional and tankless water heater options will ensure you make an informed decision that best suits your lifestyle and budget.

Pros & Cons of Traditional and Tankless Water Heaters

Choosing the right type of water heater for your home can make a huge difference both in terms of cost and comfort. There are pros and cons to all types of water heaters, so it pays to get acquainted with them before you commit.

  • Tankless Water Heaters – On-demand water heaters don't store hot water, so they're incredibly energy efficient. They also save you valuable space as they tend to be much smaller than tank water heaters. Plus, since no tank is used, tankless units are generally believed to have a longer lifespan than tank-style models. On the downside, because the process of heating up water is continuous, an on-demand system may leave you waiting for hot water if multiple faucets run at once.
  • Traditional Water Heaters – Tank water heaters heat up water in batches and hold it in an insulated tank until it's ready to use, which makes them a more reliable option when there's a need for consistently hot water throughout the house simultaneously. However, traditional water heaters require more energy overall, and they also take up more space in the home due to their large tanks.

Ultimately, picking out a new water heater requires weighing several important factors carefully, but understanding the differences between them is essential in making an informed decision that's right for your home or business’s unique needs.

How to Select the Right Size and Model of Tankless or Traditional Water Heater

Choosing the right size and model of tankless or traditional water heater is an important decision that requires careful consideration. When selecting your water heater, it is important to know how many people will typically be using hot water in your household or at your business, as well as any unique needs you may have when it comes to hot water usage.

Traditional water heaters are best for large families or businesses who require copious amounts of instantaneous hot water due to multiple water sources running at once. For smaller households and businesses that do not need this type of "on demand" hot water use, a tankless system may be more efficient from both an energy and space perspective.

Still, at the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to selecting the right size and model of tankless or traditional water heater. However, doing your due diligence and weighing these factors can help you make an informed choice.

Need Help Choosing, Installing, or Repairing a Traditional or Tankless Water Heater? Contact Our Water Heater Specialists in Richmond Today!

Blazer Heating, Air, and Plumbing has been helping homeowners and business owners in Richmond and surrounding areas solve their water heater issues. Our water heater technicians are licensed and insured, and they have a track record of providing residential and commercial customers with high quality and reliable service.

For more information about Blazer Heating, Air, and Plumbing, read our customers’ reviews.

To discuss water heater options with our experienced plumbers in Richmond, give us a call at (804) 277-2458 or contact us online today. Our water heater specialists are available 24/7 for emergency repairs, and we offer affordable financing options and specials.

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