Two of the most common types of water heaters are a tank-less water heater and a traditional water heater. Most people may get confused when deciding between a tank-less water heater and a traditional water heater.

However, both of these water heaters offer different benefits and include various drawbacks. Moving on, let us compare both of these water heaters, in order to help you decide, which one is better for your home.

Most traditional water heaters are fitted with a gas or electric motor. An inner steel tank holds the water, normally up to 40 to 60 gallons. This tank is heavily insulated, which helps in keeping the water hot, and keeping the ready to be used at any time. Moreover, a thermostat is used in order to keep the temperature of the water balanced and controlled.

What are Tank-less Water Heaters?

A tank-less water heater only heats the water when it is needed. A tank-less water heater is basically named because it does not use a tank, which stores the water for standby. Tank-less water heaters come in different forms and can be used in homes, where there is an abundant supply of water.

Pros of Traditional Water Heaters:

• A traditional water heater offers a lower up-front cost, which makes a traditional water heater affordable.
• A traditional water heater requires the easiest of installation and replacement methods.
• These water heaters can use a wide array of fuels, available in the market.
• Some traditional water heaters do not require electricity to run.
• Traditional water heaters usually work well with recirculating systems.
• A traditional water heater can be placed anywhere in the house.
  

Cons of Traditional Water Heaters:

• Traditional water heaters can run out of hot water.
• There is a massive a standby heat loss in the process of insulating in traditional water heaters.
• These water heaters have higher life-cycle costs.
• The water tanks are heavy and difficult to move.
• The temperature control might not be as accurate as needed.
  

Pros of Tank-less Water Heaters:

• A tank-less water heater has lower life-cycle costs.
• You can enjoy endless hot water with a tank-less water heater.
• It has the potential to save energy, as it only runs when needed.
• It is compact and can save a lot of residential space. ‘The temperature control is accurate and specific.
  

Cons of Tank-less Water Heaters:

• It has higher-upfront costs.
• The installation might be complicated and delicate.
• Most models require electricity to run and to work.
• If a tank-less water heater is not installed properly, it might suffer freezes damage.
• The recirculation might be a bit difficult.
  

The Bottom Line:

As mentioned above, a traditional water heater offers a huge saving capacity, when it comes to the price of both of these water heaters. On the other hand, a tank-less water heater offers endless hot water for you, which is a necessity, especially in cold climate regions. Hence, both of these water heaters have their own pros and cons, and it is up to you to decide, which one suits your home the most.