If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may want to start looking at other options that could benefit your home. One option is to simply replace your water heater with another traditional unit, or you could switch to a tankless water heater. Both types of units benefit homes in their own ways, so homeowners should consider which type of unit would be best suited for their home.
HomeX Plumbing and Rooter provides excellent services for those wanting either of these water heater installations in their home. Let’s compare how these two units differ from installation to home performance.
Water Heater Size: Tankless Water Heaters Are Smaller
Tankless water heaters are great for smaller homes and homes without a basement. The average traditional water heater holds about 55 gallons of water, which means it can be about 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. If you want a unit that takes up less space, tankless water heaters may be the better option for you.
These types of units don’t store water in them. Instead, tankless water heaters use a heat exchanger to increase the temperature of the water flowing through them. Because they don’t need to store water, these units average to about 2 feet tall and a foot wide. If the size of your water heater is an important factor for you, consider getting a tankless water heater to replace your current unit.
Water Heater Installation Prices: Traditional Water Heaters Are Less Expensive
If you already have a traditional water heater in your home, the installation is less expensive and easier to replace. This type of installation is a basic plumbing job that some homeowners find they can do themselves. With this basic plumbing job, the average installation costs between $600 to $800 depending on the plumber and if your unit has compatible hookups.
Tankless water heaters take more effort to install and plumbers will charge more for the labor and time. These installations cost anywhere between $800 to $1,500 because of the other hookups. Tankless water heaters have different venting and gas supply requirements, so plumbers will need to install larger pipes into your home. For those looking to save money on the initial installation, traditional water heaters would be a more accessible option.
Water Heater Energy Usage: Tankless Water Heaters Use Less Energy
The energy usage rate of each unit varies based on gas or electric models, but overall, tankless water heaters use less energy for the same results as a traditional unit. For performance, each type of tank has similar flow rates and meets and maintains a steady 120°F. The difference in these units comes from how efficiently they are producing that consistent temperature. Here is an average breakdown of how much each type of unit costs based on the average price of $10.86 per 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas:
- Traditional Gas Water Heater: $245
- Traditional Electric Water Heater: $580
- Tankless Gas Water Heater: $195
- Tankless Gas Electric Water Heater: $535
Tankless water heaters function more effectively than traditional units and can start saving you money over time.
If You Have To Make a Choice, Choose HomeX!
If you have any additional questions or need installation services, HomeX would love to help. Our specialists can help homeowners decide what unit will work best in their home and offer ideas to make your living space comfortable. If you’re looking for an Anaheim water heater replacement, contact us through our website for a consultation today!
