Water heaters are essential to any home, providing hot water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. There are two main types of water heaters: tankless and traditional. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, meaning they only heat water when you need it. Traditional water heaters store hot water in a tank, continually working to keep water hot. So, which is better? Keep reading to learn more about water heater tankless vs traditional differences.
What are the differences between a tankless heater and a traditional heater?
Water heaters are a household necessity, providing warmth and comfort for bathing, washing dishes, and other everyday needs. There are two primary types of water heaters: tankless and traditional.
Traditional water heaters store heated water in a tank until it's needed. This storage capability means that traditional water heaters can provide hot water on demand even during periods of heavy use. Traditional water heaters also tend to be less expensive than tankless models. However, traditional water heaters take up space inside and outside the home, requiring regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently.
Tankless water heaters do not store heated water but instead generate it on-demand. This makes them more energy efficient than traditional models because they only produce heat when necessary rather than maintaining a set temperature 24/7 as traditional models do. Tankless models are also smaller than traditional ones, making them ideal for homes with limited space. However, tankless models do not store any hot water, so they cannot provide hot water as easily during periods of high demand.
How do tankless heaters work?
Tankless water heaters, also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, provide hot water only as it's needed. Therefore, they don't require a storage tank like traditional water heaters. This makes them more energy efficient because they don't have to reheat water that's not being used constantly.
Tankless water heaters come in two main types: gas-fired and electric. Gas-fired models are more common and typically cost less to install than electric models. They work by using a pilot light or an electronic ignition to ignite the gas burner, which then heats the exchanger. The heated exchanger then heats the water passing through it. Electric tankless water heaters use coils of copper tubing to transfer heat from the electrical element to the water.
When you turn on the hot tap, cold water enters the tankless heater and is immediately heated by one of the methods described above. As long as enough hot water is available, the flow of hot water will continue uninterrupted. However, if you run out of hot water while someone is taking a shower, for example, then you'll have to wait a few minutes for more hot water to be generated.
How do traditional water heaters work?
Traditional tank water heaters heat water in a tank and then send it through your home’s plumbing system. Traditional water heaters use natural gas, propane, or electricity to heat water stored in a tank. When you turn on the hot water, the water circulates through a heat exchanger, which heats the water. The water is then returned to the tank, where it is stored until you need it again.
How do you troubleshoot a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular each year. Many people choose them for their energy efficiency and space-saving design. However, tankless water heaters can present some unique troubleshooting challenges. If your tankless water heater is not functioning correctly, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem.
The first step is to identify the source of the issue. Many potential problems could be causing your tankless water heater to malfunction. One common issue is a lack of hot water output. This could be caused by several factors, such as sediment buildup in the unit or a clogged exhaust vent. Other possible causes of low hot water output include incorrect installation or a faulty thermostat.
Water heaters are a vital part of any home, and the choice between a tankless or traditional water heater should be made with the overall needs of the house in mind. Tankless water heaters are more efficient and can save money in the long run, while traditional water heaters are more affordable and may be a better choice for homes with many people or that use a lot of hot water.
