Water Heaters: Traditional vs. Tankless
You might be interested in buying a new heater but probably wanted to know more about the different types of water heaters available in the market. We are here to help you out!
Generally, you need to decide between two main types of water heaters:
- Traditional water heaters
- Tankless water heaters
Both types of water heaters have their own strengths and weaknesses. In order to appreciate these differences better, it is important that you understand how each type works.
Traditional Water Heaters
Traditional (or tank) water heaters preheat gallons of water and store it in the tank. A typical tank water heater holds 30-50 gallons, depending on the tank’s size. The preheated water is used whenever someone in a house does laundry, showers, bathes or washes dishes. When the stored water has been used up, the tank, then, refills and is heated once more.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless (or on-demand) water heaters use electricity or gas to heat cold water on-demand, whenever it is needed, instead of heating and storing water in a tank.
COST
A traditional water heater installation can be less expensive as compared to a tankless water heater – it can be half as much.
A tankless water heater, on the other hand, has a higher installation cost. Prices vary depending on the model you get and who you get it from. You can expect the installation price to be double of a normal tank including labour and materials.
SIZE
Traditional water heaters come in both big and small sizes. A traditional 40-gallon water heater weighs about 200 pounds, which is the average weight of a sports athlete.
Tankless water heaters are much smaller than their traditional counterparts. They are designed to fit compact spaces such as condos as well as utility rooms.
INSTALLATION
When installing traditional units, a heavy one would require at least two HVAC professionals. The piping and connections are also factors to consider. You have the water connections, venting and pressure relief valve and all come out of the top.
On the other hand, connections for a tankless unit come out of the bottom part, making an installation easier and at a lower cost.
HOT WATER SUPPLY
Some owners of traditional water heaters usually switch to tankless units because they do not want to run out of hot water. Some owners, however, solve the problem of hot water shortage by purchasing a larger tank. A larger tank also means increase in energy costs.
Tankless units are great if you never want to run out of hot water ever again. Tankless water heaters provide at least two to three gallons of hot water on demand per minute.
LIFE
Traditional water heaters are known to have a lifespan of 10 years. Given that short period of time, you might have to buy them twice in a lifetime.
Tankless water heaters can last for 15 years.
See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Great Team! Furnace broke in the weekend, Bob visited same day and Greg installed new one on Monday. Team was professional, respectful and knowledgeable. Installation went very well, Greg found solutions to challenges, like hiding new conduits in the ceiling. Looks nice and new furnace is working great. Five Stars.
I used Twintech to install a new furnace for my home. Bob was terrific in explaining the sizing options and why the 2 stage furnace was the best option for me. Greg did a great job installing, clean and on time. Finished work looks great but the best part is how it works. The 2 stage heating is so much more comfortable. I run the fan continuously to keep the indoor air clean. Great investment! Would highly recommendTwintech!
Im going to start this by saying Im a very particular customer. My background is in mathematics and mechanical engineering so I have an eye for detail and a respect for technical knowledge.
Greg had already done an AC inspection and replaced a water heater tank and there was no question in my mind who to deal with replacing my rickety old furnace after it got pooched.
Bob dropped in ahead of time and clearly (and knowledgeably) outlined all technical, price and operational options.
Greg showed up on time, on the agreed date and did a fantastic job. (The OLD furnace was a house of horrors and was installed in a keystone cops sort of way- careless.)
The work Greg did was HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL and FAR MORE FUNCTIONAL than what I had.
Im also a musician with many instruments so maintaining predictable humidity/temperature is extremely important to me. Greg recognized this as did Bob. You NEVER feel like youre being brushed off.
In summary, if youre looking for PROFESSIONAL, QUALITY results by an EXPERIENCED, THOUGHTFUL team
(that also happen to be FRIENDLY and ATTENTIVE ) then youve come to the right page!!
Once again Twin Tech came through and fixed my furnace. A young man by the name of Mitch came by tonight and he was so nice explained everything he was quick he was clean he turned off the lights even when he left the furnace room its just above and beyond Twin Tech always delivers and I just found out about them last year and I will use no one else but thanks again Mitch you are fantastic
I had a problem with the Furnace (Armstrong ultra V) and Greg diagnosed it on the phone. Even told me what the issue was and I was able to fix it. This level of service from a Business that is almost unknown today.
If you require service, reach out to Greg. I will definitely use them in the future!
We have been shopping for a heat pump for our home. We had 3 reps come in and make recommendations and provide a quote. Of the 3, Bob was so clearly so much more qualified, thorough and informed than the other two that the decision was a no brainer. As soon as we get our audit results Twintech will be installing our heat pump.
knowledgeable sales person, did not try to up-sell unneeded features,
and was easily contacted to ensure customer satisfaction.
Installation was expertly done by friendly guys, everything explained for use of the products. Old products were removed and returned to rental company as part of the service. Follow up call was received to check all was well. This is my second time using this company as I was fully satisfied with my previous air conditioning unit installation
Twintech recently installed a new furnace for me. Bob did a great job assessing what I had and needed. All details well explained including the importance of proper sizing of furnace and the value of multi stage heating and the variable speed blower. As a nurse, indoor air quality is a high priority so the variable speed motor running continuous is so good. 24/7 air cleaning. Greg did a great job on install, attention to detail so appreciated. Already notice such an improved comfort and heat. Thank you Twintech! You come as advertised. I will recommend to anyone in need of heating or cooling!
We received various quotes from 4 different companies and right away, the prompt and thorough communication from Bob from TwinTech stood out. He introduced himself, sent sample sites and information, and always confirmed any agreed to dates and times.
Bob was friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the topic of HVAC and it was clear he was passionate about his profession. He approached the job as if he was installing in his own home.
Prior to the new furnace & A/C installation, our old units were loud and inefficient - having several rooms feeling too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. After installing the recommended units, all rooms stay at a consistent temperature- even the finished basement.
I highly recommend the TwinTech team - just an outstanding job at a reasonable price point.