Tankless Water Heater vs Regular Water Heater: Which Is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing a water heater for your home, you have two main options: tankless water heater vs regular water heater. Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on factors like your specific household needs and preferences.

Let’s break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

 

How They Work

While they both provide your home with hot water, tankless and regular water heaters do so in different ways.

 

Regular Water Heaters

A regular water heater stores and continuously heats a set amount of water (usually 30–80 gallons) in a tank. When you turn on a hot water tap, heated water is pulled from the tank and replaced with cold water that gets reheated. These units ensure hot water is always available but can run out if demand exceeds capacity.

 

Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater heats water only when needed. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows through a heat exchanger, where it’s instantly heated by gas or electricity. Because there’s no storage tank, you won’t run out of hot water, but there is a limit to how much can be heated at once.

 

Elements to Consider

When it comes time to decide between a tankless water heater vs regular water heater, there are a few differences to consider.

 

Installation

Traditional tank water heaters tend to be cheaper and easier to install, especially if you are just replacing an existing unit.

Tankless water heaters have a more complex and expensive installation that may require new gas lines or upgraded electrical wiring. It is always recommended and often required to have a plumbing professional install these water heaters.

 

Costs & Efficiency

Regular water heaters may be cheaper to install, but they cost you more as time goes on. Their continuous heating means they are constantly using electricity, leaving you with a higher bill each month.

Meanwhile, tankless water heaters heat water on demand, meaning there isn’t a constant drain on your electricity. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, they can be up to 34% more energy efficient than traditional water heaters, saving you big money in the long run.

 

Longevity

Due to the overall wear and tear of being in constant use, traditional tank water heaters typically have a lifespan of eight to fifteen years, depending on the model and how regularly you perform maintenance.

Tankless water heaters, in contrast, can last twenty years or more when properly maintained.

 

Maintenance

Both types of water heaters require proper maintenance, however the extent and regularity of that maintenance varies. A regular water heater requires periodic flushing to prevent sediment buildup and potential tank leaks.

A tankless water heater requires regular descaling, especially in areas with hard water, but generally has fewer long-term issues.

 

Space

Traditional tank water heaters feature a bulky tank that takes up valuable floor space.

As the name suggests, tankless water heaters are renowned for their compact, space-saving design. They are typically mounted on the wall and occupy minimal space in your home.

 

Usage

Since a regular water heater continuously heats a fixed amount of water, it is possible to run out of hot water if demand is high—such as when multiple showers, laundry, and dishwashing are happening at the same time.

A tankless water heater provides endless hot water because it heats water on demand. However, it can take a few moments for hot water to reach the tap, and if multiple fixtures are running simultaneously, the flow rate may limit how much hot water is available at once.

 

Both types of water heaters have their merits, and the right choice depends on your specific needs. Consult a professional plumber to determine the best option for your home and budget.