Learning From Home RenovationsLearning From Home Renovations

Are you thinking about switching to a tankless water heater? While tankless water heaters are usually considered to be more modern, there are still some benefits to using a conventional storage heater. Modern conventional heaters are also very energy-efficient, even if they may not be as energy efficient as a tankless heater. 

1. They Are Better for Larger Families

A tankless water heater has to heat the water on demand; consequently, it may not be able to support multiple people using it at the same time. Depending on the speed of a tankless heater, it may even be impossible to run an appliance such as a laundry service at the same time as a shower. A large tanked water heater, however, can often support multiple people taking showers at the same time. 

2. They Are Less Expensive

Tankless water heaters are generally more expensive to both purchase and maintain. If a tankless water heater is otherwise useful to you, it may pay for itself through utility saving costs. However, if you use a lot of hot water the savings may be negligible. If you're on a budget, a conventional water heater may be best. Today's conventional water heaters will last a long time, even compared to tankless heaters. 

3. They Are Able to Use Natural Gas

If you prefer a natural gas heater, you should get a conventional storage tank. Gas heaters can be less expensive than electrical heaters depending on your location, though you may want to compare the costs before you commit. And if you do want to use an electrical water heater, conventional heaters come in electrical forms, too. 

4. They Don't Use a Lot of Electricity at Once

The moment a tankless water heater turns on, it begins using a significant amount of electricity. A conventional water heater may use more electricity over the course of the day, but it doesn't use all of this electricity at the same time the way that a tankless heater does. Older homes may not be able to provide this much electricity at once—it all depends on the age of your electrical system and the amount of electricity you are using elsewhere in your house.

If you still aren't certain which type of water heater you need, you might want to inquire with your water heater installation company, like Professional Plumbing Solutions. They can help you calculate the amount of hot water you need for your family and which water heater would be best suited to your needs.