If you need a new water heater installed in your home, you may want to consider all of the options. There are pros and cons for each type of water heater. At Baker & Sons Plumbing, we install electric and gas water heaters with a tank, typically called traditional water heaters, and tankless water heaters, which are heaters that do not have storage tanks, for homes in the Marion area. Whether you are building a new home or you need a water heater replacement or upgrade, our team can help you with recommendations and answers to your questions when it comes to what water heater is right for your specific home.
Pros of an Electric Traditional Water Heater
The pros of an electric water heater include a lower up-front cost. This type of water heater is typically more affordable than other water heaters, including gas and tankless. They are easy to install because they don’t require complex venting systems. Electric power is also readily available in most homes, so the electric tank water heater is a convenient option for most households.
Electric traditional water heaters are also great for small spaces and are easy to get in and out of those spaces when you need to replace them. Standard electric water heaters also have great durability and last between 10 and 15 years. This type of water heater also needs the least maintenance over all of the other water heaters.
Cons of an Electric Traditional Water Heater
An electric traditional water heater has slower heating and recovery time than gas water heaters. There may also be higher operating costs because electric water heaters generally have higher energy consumption leading to higher utility bills. There is also a limited hot water supply with a traditional water heater, meaning that once the stored hot water depletes, it takes time for new water to heat up. Because this type of water heater depends on electricity, it will not function during a power outage.
Pros of a Gas Traditional Water Heater
Traditional gas hot water heaters have a faster heating and recovery time than that of electric water heaters. There are also lower operating costs because natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity. Gas water heaters are capable of providing a high volume of hot water, making them suitable for households with larger hot water demands. Gas water heaters are also independent of electricity, meaning they can still function during power outages.
Cons of a Gas Traditional Water Heater
The cons of having a gas water heater include the higher up-front costs. Gas hot water heaters typically have a higher initial cost compared to electric water heaters. There are also venting requirements for gas water heaters, which means that there are going to be additional costs and considerations when it comes to installation. Also, not all homes are set up with a gas connection, so installing one could come with significant renovation costs.
Safety concerns are an issue because gas water heaters involve the potential for gas leaks, fire hazards, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas traditional water heaters also require more frequent maintenance and inspections compared to electric water heaters.
Pros of an Electric Tankless Water Heater
Electric tankless water heaters offer many advantages over traditional tank water heaters. Energy efficiency is a big benefit of installing an electric tankless water heater. Unlike tank water heaters that continuously heat and store, tankless water heaters only activate when there is a need for hot water. This on-demand heating reduces energy consumption and results in significant energy savings over time. With an electric tankless water heater, you will always have hot water.
The continuous supply of hot water is advantageous for larger households or situations where there is a high demand for hot water during certain times of the day. Electric tankless water heaters have a space-saving design, and you can have them installed in tight spaces, on walls, or under cabinets. Tankless water heaters typically have a longer lifespan compared to traditional tank water heaters. They can last up to 20 years or more. There is a reduced risk of leaks with electric tankless water heaters because they don’t store water in a tank.
Cons of an Electric Tankless Water Heater
The cons of electric tankless water heaters include higher up-front costs, including the cost of the unit itself, population modifications, the potential for electrical upgrades, and professional installation services.
Electric tankless water heaters have a maximum flow rate, a struggle to meet high hot water demands if using multiple hot water outlets at the same time. This means that the performance can be insufficient if there is a high demand. Additionally, delayed hot water delivery can be noticeable in larger homes or situations where the hot water must travel a longer distance.
Tankless water heaters may require substantial electrical upgrades, dedicated circuits, and higher voltage capacity to handle the power demands of the heater. You’ll need to schedule maintenance regularly, so you can prevent mineral buildup by descaling and ensuring optimal performance for your tankless water heater.
Pros of a Gas Tankless Water Heater
There are several advantages to having a gas tankless water heater over a traditional tank water heater. Gas tankless water heaters have the ability to provide high flow rates of hot water. They also offer precise temperature control. Most models come with digital temperature controls that allow you to set the desired hot water temperature with extreme accuracy. In some cases, water heaters can have battery backup systems, so they are good for homes that require hot water at all times.
Gas tankless water heaters have great durability and a long lifespan. Gas tankless water heaters are for flexibility in terms of installation auctions. You can have them installed indoors or outdoors. When installing the water heater outdoors, there is no need for venting, which means more flexibility on where the unit will go. Having the unit installed outside also eliminates the risk that it could leak carbon monoxide into your home, so this is certainly something for families with children or elderly residents who may be more sensitive to CO poisoning to consider.
Cons of a Gas Tankless Water Heater
The installation of a gas tankless water heater may include costly gas line modifications. Gas tankless water heaters also produce combustion byproducts, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. This requires proper venting if installed indoors.
Gas tankless water heaters also rely on a natural gas supply that may not be readily available in all areas, such as remote or rural locations. Gas tankless water heaters can produce noise during their operation. This noise is typically caused by the burner and fan mechanisms. While manufacturers strive to reduce noise levels, it is worth considering the potential for operational noise, especially if installing the unit close to bedrooms or the living area.
Contact Us Today!
At Baker & Sons Plumbing in Marion, Illinois, we provide water heater replacement, repairs, and water conditioning. Our friendly team also provides commercial plumbing, sewer, and drain services. Contact Baker & Sons Plumbing for more information today!
