Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters: Which Is Better for Your Home
Traditional tanks are cheaper initially, but tankless systems have lower energy costs over time.
Tankless water heaters can supply your home with endless hot water*.
Lockmer Plumbing can help you evaluate the costs and benefits of tankless vs. traditional water heaters for your home.
*Depending on size and incoming water temperature.
The right water heater makes every day a joy. At Lockmer Plumbing, we equip homes with tanks and tankless systems tailored to each customer's unique home and lifestyle. Traditional water heaters store between 40 and 50 gallons of water at a single point, supplying it to any sink, shower, or appliance in your home. Tankless systems generally have a smaller footprint, generating nearly endless hot water in your kitchen, laundry room, or bathrooms. Decide which one is the right fit for your Montana home with this quick comparison guide to tankless vs. traditional water heaters, including details on energy efficiency, lifespan, and performance.
Weighing Energy Efficiency and Monthly Utility Costs
Tankless heaters may have a higher upfront cost than traditional tanks, but they cost much less on monthly heating bills. Traditional tanks have to keep gallons of water heated 24/7 to combat standby heat loss and to replenish the tank. But tankless systems heat water on demand. Ultimately, tankless heaters can be up to 34% more efficient, leading to significant savings year after year, and that can be a key consideration when choosing the best water heater for Montana homes. As you shop around, your water heater cost comparison should include both upfront costs and ongoing energy and maintenance costs.
Performance and Longevity in Cold Climates
Montana has very cold groundwater, especially in the winter. Lockmer chooses tankless water heaters uniquely suited to cold temperatures, so you have instant access to hot water no matter how cold it is outside, and they heat rapidly and withstand thermal shock.
We also provide our customers with long-lasting tankless systems that reduce the need for repairs and replacements. While traditional tanks might only last up to 10 -15 years before leaking or bursting, our tankless systems can last well over 20 years with proper maintenance.
Maintenance and Durability Comparisons
Both tanks and tankless systems benefit from maintenance. For example, if you live in a region with hard water, your tank will need to be flushed to remove sediment buildup, and you may need to replace the sacrificial rod that controls mineral buildup. With tankless systems, you have to run a descaling agent through the heat exchanger to remove mineral buildup.
Making the Right Choice for Your Household Size
The pros and cons of tank and tankless water heaters vary by household. One thing many homeowners worry about when choosing a new hot water system is capacity. For example, if you have a large family or a large home, or just want to run laundry while you take a shower, a 40-gallon tank may not be enough. Tankless systems can provide you with nearly endless hot water for your shower or appliances, and our technicians can recommend the right number of units and the right layout of tankless heaters, based on your home's layout.
Some factors to weigh when choosing the right water heater include:
The lower upfront cost of a tank vs. the lower costs of heating up water over time with a tankless system
Whether your home benefits from the nearly endless hot water of tankless heaters or if a tank is more than enough
If your home benefits from wall-hung tankless units with a small footprint, which can save you a lot of space in utility rooms and basements
While there are many traditional water heater benefits, even energy-efficient water heater tanks aren't more efficient than tankless options.
Get a Professional Assessment From Lockmer Plumbing
Lockmer Plumbing is here to help you have reliable, energy-efficient hot water in your home, whether you prefer the familiarity and low installation cost of a tank or the versatility and comfort of tankless water heaters. We provide our customers with technologies from trusted suppliers who design their systems for Montana's cold winters, including tank and tankless water heater installation, repairs, maintenance, and more. Go beyond this home water heater guide. Contact us today to learn more about tanks vs. tankless systems and to reschedule an in-home consultation and cost estimate. You can reach our team online, via email, or over the phone at 406-782-2224.
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