Having to replace a water heater can be a costly investment for many homeowners. When it’s time to replace the water heater, it is crucial that you consider the efficiency, longevity, and type of water heater that you want to purchase. Some homeowners may choose to purchase the electric water heater, while other homeowners opt for the tankless water heater. To help you closely examine your water heater options, we have developed a list of pros and cons for using the electric water heater and the tankless water heater.
What is a tankless water heater? The tankless water heater instantaneously delivers hot water on demand to your shower, dishwasher, etc., it uses electric or gas to warm up cool water on demand, rather than storing it hot water in a tank. Tankless water heaters can help homeowners save about 22 percent more energy on average than the electric water heater.
What is an electric water heater? The electric water heater is usually found in most homes, and they typically store and preheat 30-50 gallons of water in the tank. The pre-heated water in the electric water heater is used whenever someone in your house takes a shower, or does laundry and washes dishes. After the water has been used, the tank than refills to be preheated once again.
Which water heater saves on energy? When you use the tankless water heater, you will use less than 41 gallons or less of hot water each day. According to Energy.gov, tankless water heaters can be 24 percent-34 percent more energy efficient than the electric water heater. Although the tankless water heater is more energy efficient, it does have its setbacks. If you are simultaneously taking showers and doing laundry it can cause your tankless water heater to fail to keep up with the hot water demand. Moreover, the electric water heater preheats water at a pre-set temperature, which increases your utility bill, especially during the winter months.
Which water heater has a longer life-span? The electric water heater can last about 10 years, which means that you’ll have to buy an electric water heater at least twice as often as a tankless water heater. Usually, to install an electric water heater can cost around $1000 to $1500 depending on the brand and size that you purchase. At Best Home Services, we recommended that you have a licensed plumber come out and check your water heater, to detect any complications or issues that you may have with your water heater unit. In addition, if you want a tankless water heater, you will pay around $3,000 to $5,000 to have it professionally installed. The tankless water heater can last about 25 years.
What water heater is more cost-effective? The electric water heater is normally half the cost of the tankless heater because it’s less labor-intensive to repair and install. The tankless water heater can cost twice as much as the electric water heater (depending on the model that you purchase.) Also, replacing a tankless water heater requires more install time, which means that it can cost you more.
Both the electric water heater and the tankless have pros and cons. At Best Home Services, we recommend that you consult a licensed plumber if you need a new water heater. If you are in the market for a new water heater or have questions about your current water heater, please give us a call at (239) 946-4426 .
