Differences Between a Traditional Water Heater and Tankless

When it comes to heating the water in your home, you have a choice of using a traditional water heater with a large tank or the modern tankless systems that are extremely popular in Europe. While both do exactly what they are intended to do, heating water, both are significantly different in how they achieve that result. Here are the biggest differences between a traditional water heater and the tankless style.
The traditional water heater utilized a large tank to hold and heat water so it is ready for use when you need it. The tankless system does not have any tank, the water is simply heated as it passes through the lines in a moments notice.
The tankless water heater can be mounted on a wall anywhere they is a water supply nearby. The traditional water hearer usually is installed in the garage or closet because of the large size of the unit itself.
The traditional water heater is running day and night to ensure that hundreds of gallons in the tank are heated for when you need to use the water. The tankless system only runs when you need hot water. It heats the water on demand, using less energy and requiring less maintenance.
The traditional water heater is comprised of several components that need to run at optimal performance to ensure the water is ready when needed. The tankless water heater has less parts that run less frequently, requiring less repairs over the same period of time.
The tankless water heater can be expensive compared to a traditional water heater system. The price is usually recouped in just a few years compared to the overall savings you will receive in lower utility bills from the unit running less. The traditional water heater costs less to purchase and install, but you can expect much higher utility bills only because that unit runs days and night to keep water heated.
The traditional water heated holds several hundreds of gallons of water in the tank. That water can become contaminated from excessive sediments in the water. Tankless water heaters do not store any water.
Looking into different water heaters for your Arlington property? Call The Plumbing Doctor today at (703) 525-9280 for a water heater installation!