If you were to assume that most people prefer hot showers over cold showers, you would be right. Research shows that, regardless of the time of day, 47.4% of people take warm showers, 31.8% take hot showers, and only 20.8% take cold showers.
If your go-to is a warm shower or bath, you’ve likely been surprised – and displeased – when there is no hot water. It’s also embarrassing if you’re hosting guests and you learn their bathing experience was less-than-ideal.
What’s the best solution? How can you ensure your warm and hot water is plentiful? The answer is simple: Examine your water heater. What’s more, your water heater’s performance is directly tied to what kind it is: a traditional or tankless water heater.
Never take a cold shower again! Replace your hot water heater with a tankless system from Doctor Drips of Nashville, TN.
What’s The Difference?
The concept of a hot water heater dates all the way back to 1868, when Benjamin Maughan patented a device that heated water as it flowed into the tub. Shortly after, Edwin Rudd bought the rights to the invention and developed the first true home water heater. Since then, many new models and innovations have led to the water heaters we are familiar with today, including the traditional and tankless heaters.
The primary difference between the two lies in the engineering. A traditional water heater stores and pre-heats water in a tank system and keeps it in reserve to be used. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, warms the water on-demand.
So, you may ask, Is one more reliable than the other? To answer that question, we are going to take a deeper dive into the differences between traditional and tankless water heaters by evaluating the following factors:
- Efficiency
- Maintenance
- Lifespan
Efficiency
Traditional Water Heater: Generally speaking, a standard gas tank has an efficiency factor (EF) of .58-.60, which means only 58-60% of the energy used to heat the water is converted into heat. It’s also worth noting that the efficiency of a traditional water heater largely depends on its age, the size of the tank in relation to the size of the home, and how well it has been maintained. Sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank can also reduce its efficiency.
Tankless Water Heater: A tankless water heater’s energy efficiency varies based on the amount of water used. If heating less than 41 gallons of water regularly, for instance, a tankless heater scores 24-34% higher efficiency than a traditional water heater; for more than 41 gallons of water, a tankless heater scores 8-14% higher efficiency than a traditional. This also translates to energy savings of around 35% every year!
Maintenance
Traditional Water Heater: Traditional water heater models require regular maintenance and care, including draining the tank and checking the pilot light. Unfortunately, leaks are a common issue, as well.
Tankless Water Heater: Tankless water heaters do not require much maintenance. However, Doctor Drips recommends that they be serviced at least once a year.
Lifespan
Traditional Water Heater: On average, a standard water heater is expected to last 6 to 12 years. Beyond 12-years-old, a tank water heater begins to go downhill when it comes to working efficiently.
Tankless Water Heater: A tankless model, when properly maintained, can last as long as 25 years. Because a tankless water heater is only used on-demand, it “rests” when it isn’t needed, which contributes to a longer lifespan.
Contact Doctor Drips today and let our experts help with any of your water heater or plumbing needs!
