Considerations for Choosing a Water Heater

SAN JOSE — When choosing a water heater for your home, you have two options: a conventional water heater or a tankless model. Before making your choice, it’s important to learn more about the costs and maintenance involved with each.

Conventional water heaters
A conventional (tank) water heater is the type found in most homes. Today’s tank water heaters can produce 75 gallons of hot water per hour and have an annual operating cost of about $277. With conventional models, maintenance is crucial for maximizing operating lifespan. Once a year, have your water heater’s tank flushed to clear out sediment buildup.

Tankless water heaters
Under the right circumstances, a tankless water heater can provide substantial energy savings, with an average annual operating cost of only $177. In addition, at 300 gallons of hot water per hour, a tankless water heater can supply more than three times that of a conventional one. While the cost of installation can vary depending on the compatibility between a tankless model’s connections and a home’s existing plumbing system, many newer models are designed to be compatible with conventional connections.

Even though a tankless water heater may cost more to install than a conventional model, they offer significant benefits if you have a need for unlimited hot water or a desire to save on energy costs.