Should I Buy A Traditional, Tankless, Or Hybrid Water Heater?

admin • Oct 20, 2022

Key Takeaways:

  • Traditional water heaters keep the hot water inside a tank with an insulation blanket and a hot water pipe to keep the water warm until you need it.
  • Tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it.
  • Hybrid water heaters have a small tank to store hot water, so you’ll always have hot water, but you won’t be wasting energy to keep the tank warm unnecessarily.
  • Water heaters are a significant investment, so it’s essential to make sure you get the right one for your home.

 

It’s no secret that water heaters account for a large percentage of the energy use in homes. So, when it’s time to replace your current one, choosing the most energy-efficient option is essential.

However, shopping for a new water heater can be a challenging experience with all the different available options. Should you buy traditional, tankless, or hybrid water heaters? Let’s help you decide by describing each in detail.

If you’re still unsure, a professional water heater installation contractor can guide you thoroughly and help you realize all your options.

What Are Traditional Water Heaters?

Traditional water heaters keep the hot water inside a tank and then use an insulation blanket and a hot water pipe to keep the water warm until you need it. When you open your sink’s hot water faucet, cool water enters the tank and pushes the heated water toward the exit pipe.

This type of water heater is less expensive upfront than other models but is also less efficient. In addition, because these units rely on standby heat loss, they can waste a lot of energy if not properly insulated.

Still, traditional water heaters are a good choice for many homes because they’re readily available, and their size options allow for greater flexibility during installation.

What About Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, heat water only when you need it. That means there’s no standby energy loss as with a traditional water heater.

Water is heated when it passes through a series of coils or comes in contact with a heating element in a tankless water heater. One advantage of this type of water heater is that it doesn’t take up much space since there’s no storage tank.

Tankless water heaters can be found in both gas and electric models. Gas-fired tankless water heaters are more efficient than electric models but require more maintenance.

What Are Hybrid Water Heaters?

Hybrid water heaters bring together the best features of both traditional and tankless water heaters. They have a storage tank like conventional water heaters, but they also use a heat pump to help heat the water.

Hybrid water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters but are also more expensive.

Traditional Vs. Tankless Vs. Hybrid Water Heater: The Benefits and Drawbacks

When it comes to water heaters, you can find three main types to choose from traditional storage water heaters, tankless water heaters, and hybrid water heaters. Each has unique benefits and drawbacks you’d want to consider before deciding.

Traditional water heaters have been around the longest and are the most common type of water heater in use today. They’re typically less expensive than tankless or hybrid models but also less energy-efficient.

Traditional water heaters will store hot water in a tank, so they always use energy to keep the water warm even when you’re not using it.

On the other hand, tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it. They’re highly energy-efficient compared to traditional water heaters but can be more expensive to purchase and install.

Hybrid water heaters are a more modern option that combines the best of both traditional and tankless water heaters. They have a small tank used to store hot water, but a tankless water heater unit kicks in when the water in the tank is used up.

It means you’ll always have hot water, but you won’t waste energy keeping a full tank of hot water warm when you don’t need it.

No matter the kind of water heater you choose, consulting a professional water heater installation contractor beforehand will help you make the best decision.

Things To Consider Before Choosing a Water Heater

The Size of Your Household

The first thing you should consider before deciding is your household size. A tankless water heater might be your best option if you live alone or with one other person.

Tankless water heaters will heat water on demand, so you won’t have to worry about paying for hot water you don’t use.

On the contrary, a traditional water heater might be a better option if you have a large household. This is because conventional water heaters store hot water in a tank, so it will always be available when needed.

The Cost of Installation

The installation cost is another factor you should consider when deciding which water heater is right for you. Tankless water heaters have higher installation costs than traditional water heaters. Still, they are also more efficient and have a longer lifespan.

Hybrid water heaters are ideal for those who want the best of both worlds. They combine the best features of traditional and tankless water heaters, so they are more expensive to install than either type of water heater alone.

Water Usage

Another factor to consider is your water usage. Suppose you often take long showers or run multiple appliances that use hot water simultaneously. In that case, you’ll need a water heater with a larger capacity.

Tankless water heaters have a higher capacity than traditional water heaters, so that they can provide more hot water on demand.

Hybrid water heaters are a newer option on the market that combines the best features of tankless and traditional water heaters. They come with a tank that stores water and a heating element that heats water on demand.

This means that you’ll always have hot water available, even if you have a high demand for hot water.

Are you considering installing a water softener in your home? Here’s what you need to know.

Which Water Heater Is the Most Suited for Your Requirements?

Water heaters are a significant investment, so it’s essential to make sure you get the right one for your home. A water heater installation contractor will be familiar with all types of water heaters and can help you select the ideal one for your needs. They can also install your new water heater to ensure it works correctly and efficiently.

Premier Plumbers offer a vast range of plumbing services to meet your plumbing needs in Sarasota, FL . We can handle your plumbing problems, from commercial and residential renovation to service repair installation and water purification. Get your free quote today !

By admin 03 Jan, 2023
Key Takeaways: There are a few reasons your bathtub might be draining slowly, including too much hair, soap scum, mineral deposits, grease, sewer line problems, or clogged vent pipes. If you have a plunger or drain snake, you can clear the blockage yourself without calling a professional. Boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda can also […] The post Is The Bathtub Draining Slowly? Read This! appeared first on Premier Plumbers.
More Posts
Share by: