Whether it is for laundry, cleaning dishes, or taking a long shower, hot water is a household necessity. A consistent supply of hot water requires a reliable water heater. When it is time to have a new water heater installed, consider both traditional and tankless options. Learn more about each with this helpful guide.

Traditional Heaters

Traditional water heaters heat and store water in a large tank that can usually hold between 20-100 gallons. The water enters the tank and is heated to a preset temperature via an electric or gas heating element. When you turn on the hot water, this reserve is immediately ready to meet your need. As a result, tank heaters are known for being responsive and reliable.

In addition to being reliable, they’re easy to install and work on since most plumbing experts are familiar with them. Traditional water heaters are usually less expensive to install than tankless models but may cost more in utilities and maintenance in the long run.

Tankless Heaters

The tank of a traditional heater provides a ready supply of warm water, but it also takes up quite a bit of space. Tankless models are compact and can often be mounted on a wall. This makes them ideal for homes with a small utility area.

These heaters work by heating water as it runs through the device. Because the water isn’t stored after being heated, it won’t have time to cool down. This means it doesn’t ever need to be reheated after waiting, which improves energy efficiency and can lower utility bills.

How to Choose Between Them

For lower installation costs and more options for installers, opt for a traditional tank heater. However, if you plan to stay in your current home for years, consider the long-term affordability of tankless heaters.

Also, consider your household’s hot water usage. Tankless heaters can provide constant hot water but may struggle to meet many demands at once. If you live in a house where dishes, baths, and laundry may be going on simultaneously, a tank heater will have an easier time keeping up.

For help choosing the right water heater for your home, contact All American Plumbing in Concord, NC. We’ve been serving Cabarrus County for over 30 years and can install traditional or tankless models. We also provide a wide variety of plumbing services, including water heater repair and unclogging drains. To schedule an appointment, visit us online or call (704) 788-8690.