You use your water heater multiple times a day, yet rarely think about the virtues of a boiler vs tankless water heater. That’s okay! We do and are happy to share information. Water heaters are major investments and affect your home’s energy consumption and energy bills.
Whether you need a plumber to install one in a new construction home or wish to upgrade the one you currently have, here are a few things you need to know about a boiler vs tankless water heater.
The first question to tackle is what are boiler and tankless water heaters? Read on to learn more about each unit and some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Boiler Water Heaters
Currently, most American homes have a boiler or storage tank water heaters are the most common type found in American homes. They are either electric or gas powered. They heat and store 30–50 gallons of water in their boiler.
The water is stored and warmed until needed. A pipe connects to the main water lines in your home and sends the water when you need hot water. Because boiler water heaters are large units, they are usually installed in a garage, closet, or basement.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless or on-demand water heaters do not store heated water. They heat the water on-demand as the homeowner uses hot water through a faucet or appliance in the home. Because they are much smaller units, they are ideal for homes and condominiums, especially when space is limited.
The biggest benefit of tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. Depending on your water usage, homeowners save between 8-34 percent in energy use.
Boiler Vs Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons
When you decide boiler vs tankless water heater, there are many advantages and disadvantages to consider. No one solution is the best for every home. Consider your household, hot water needs, as well as energy conservation goals to select the right water heater for your home.
Benefits of Boiler Water Heaters
- Less expensive to purchase
- Simpler operation
- Less maintenance
- Lower cost repairs
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
- Energy savings
- Lower usage costs
- Longer lifespan – often last twice as long as tank water heater
- A smaller footprint in your home
- May be installed closer to point of use
Disadvantages of Boiler Water Heaters
- Higher operating costs
- Energy consumption can be affected by colder weather
- Larger footprint in your home
- Hot water can ‘run out’
Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
- More expensive to purchase upfront
- More expensive repairs and maintenance
- Some cannot keep up with high demands for hot water; some families install two smaller or one larger unit to address needs
Estes Services Handles Boilers & Tankless Water Heater Repair, Service and Installation
In conclusion, when you consider a new water heater, weigh the pros and cons. For most households, deciding factors include the initial cost, the operating cost, and the unit’s footprint.
If the initial investment is within your budget, the operating costs are lower for tankless water heaters. This reason has helped them grow in popularity among homeowners who tackle the boiler vs tankless water heater debate.
So whether you are ready to replace your unit now or need a consultation for the future, Estes Services has experts who help. Our technicians come to your home, review your current set-up, ask a few questions about your current water use, and suggest a plan that best suits your family.
Our consultations are always free and rest assured a certified professional completes all work. Call Estes Services today!
You’ll find our plumbers throughout greater Atlanta including Marietta, Kennesaw, Johns Creek, Peachtree City, Buckhead, Decatur, Druid Hills and Fayetteville. We also provide plumbing services in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, Midtown and Virginia Highland.
