Tankless Vs. Traditional Water Heaters

The winter period is the trigger for people to make the necessary replacements of water heaters either because they do not work or do not meet their expectations.

Then comes the big question: What will be the right type of heater for my need? The expert plumbers at West Coast Hydronics& Plumbing will help you make the right choice between two models of water heaters that are the most common: those without a tank and the traditional model. 

How Tankless Water Heaters Are Also Called "On-Demand"?

As their name indicates, these water heaters differ because they do not have a tank; they are also called on-demand heaters. These devices heat water instantly when the person needs it, instead of heating and holding it as tank water heaters do.

The water moves through pipes with very small diameters that are overheated to heat the required water quickly. It must be taken into account that the concept "on-demand" does not mean that it does not require a waiting time for the water to heat up.

Of course, the water heats up very quickly, but it must travel through all the water heater accessories to do so. It is a very short time, but it should also be expected that the water that has passed through all the accessories, reaches your body when it is falling.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of "On Demand" Tankless Water Heaters

Those who wish to purchase this water heater model must consider multiple factors when choosing it and installing it on their property. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages that West Coast Hydronics& Plumbing specialists have selected: 

• On-demand water heaters will provide you with unlimited hot water.
• On-demand water heaters have restrictions regarding the volume of hot water to be supplied. If it lasts too long, what comes out is lukewarm water. 
• In the winter, where the water is much colder, the amount of hot water it can supply per minute is reduced. Drop from 9 gpm to 4.5 gpm.
• Fuel savings are considerable when you install tankless water heaters.
• Electric service costs can be greatly increased by installing a tankless water heater if people like to take long showers to live on the property. Of course, when the hot water is continuous, it isn't easy to get out of the shower.
• On-demand water heaters cannot function without continuous electricity. 
• On-demand water heaters run on 130,000-199,000 BTUs of gas per hour.
• Installing an on-demand water heater requires electricity and must have a larger gas line leading from the meter. 
• On-demand water heaters can be installed on an exterior wall, saving space and avoiding many risks. 
• On-demand water heaters must be maintained chemically to clean the heat exchanger's proper functioning, flow sensors, or other components. 
• If properly maintained and supplied with good quality water, tankless water heaters last approximately 20 years. 
• On-demand water heaters have switches, motors, sensors, gas fans, water, and exhaust controls that can fail at any time. 
• The installation of tankless water heaters is required because it is necessary to install an additional improved gas line and electrical outlet. 
• The cost of installing the tankless water heater is four times higher than that of the standard water heater. 

What Are Storage Tank Water Heaters, Also Called "Standard"?

To ordinary people, when called a water heater, the first image that comes to mind is a room with a storage tank for hot water. That is what is called a traditional water heater.

The main characteristic of these equipment types is their large size motivated by the water storage tank, which is generally made of metal. When water is heated, approximately 20 to 80 gallons, the heater can store it and keep it for a long time at a suitable temperature.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Storage Tank Water Heaters, Also Called "Standard."

Like on-demand water heaters, installing a tank water heater requires taking into account a set of factors to determine whether it is suitable or not.

The specialists at West Coast Hydronics & Plumbing have listed some of these factors to help you determine the pros and cons of standard water heaters: 

• The hot water stored in the tanks of standard water heaters runs out after 2 to 4 consecutive showers; after that, you have to wait a long time for the tank to fill with hot water again. 
• Standard water heaters can send 120-degree water to all showers simultaneously but for a limited time.
• Low water temperatures in the winter period slightly reduce the recovery times of the standard water heater. 
• Between $ 300 and $ 600 a year is the running cost of a standard water heater. 
• When power fails, the tank water heater can continue to operate. 
• Standard (50g) water heaters operate on 40,000 BTUs of gas per hour. 
• They must be inside the building or in a structure that protects them from the elements. 
• Tanks must be rinsed at least once a year
• Standard water heaters are reliable for 8 to 12 years. They can last much longer if they are properly maintained, of a recognized brand, and their handling.
• Standard water heaters have some safety elements and controls that can fail. 
• Standard water heaters require permits for installation or replacement. 
• Standard water heater replacements can be made without having to make significant modifications.

What Is The Right Type Of Water Heater For My Needs?

The decision on which water heater is the most suitable for your needs is not intended to be a quick discussion or one that has a simple answer. As can be seen, there are many considerations to consider to determine which the best is for you, taking advantage of your investment to a great extent.

The most recommended thing is that you ask for a consultancy with West Coast Hydronics& Plumbing so that a specialist visits your property personally, observes all the habitability conditions, indicates the budget you have, and gives you the best recommendation for respect. 

West Coast Hydronics & Plumbing Professionals Serving Sacramento

Suppose you require professional help to determine which type of heater is ideal for your needs. In that case, the professionals at West Coast Hydronics& Plumbing are at your entire disposal to assist you. 

Their specialists provide on-demand and standard water heater installation service for any home in Sacramento and the surrounding areas, including Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Citrus Heights, among others. 

West Coast Hydronics & Plumbing offers promotions, coupons, discounts. It offers water heaters on its website to allow customers to purchase these devices at a better price. Contact the customer service unit and arrange a visit to your home to receive the best advice.