One of the major building blocks of your home is your water heater. Your water heater is an important factor when it comes to both the comfort and overall function of your house, so you want to make sure you choose the right type of appliance to suit your needs. 

While many people think that water heaters are a “one size fits all” kind of unit, these appliances are actually a lot more intricate than you may think. When deciding on a water heater for your home, keep in mind the two main different types:

Traditional
The most common water heating system seen in houses throughout the Midwest, traditional water heaters store and heat 30-50 gallons of water at a time. This stored water is available to use when someone showers, does laundry, etc., and then once used, is filled back up, heated, and stored for the next time it is needed. With a low initial cost, these traditional water heaters are easy to repair and replace over the course of a home’s lifespan.

Tankless
Tankless water heaters serve the basic same functions as a traditional unit, while being much more energy efficient. Instead of having a standing storage piece, tankless water heaters use a heat source (typically electric or gas) to warm up cool water when you need it. These heaters use only the water you want and need for any given time, creating a much more energy efficient machine. Tankless water heaters tend to cost a bit more to initially install in a home, but over time will save you a bundle in electric bills. In fact, homes with tankless heaters use 25-35% less energy to heat their water, creating a much more budget and environmentally friendly household.

While there are pros and cons to both traditional and tankless water heaters, the final choice is up to customer preference. If you are looking for a simple unit with a low initial cost, the traditional tank is for you, while the tankless heater is perfect for households looking to increase efficiency and save on their electric bill in the long run. No matter the water heater you choose, your home’s comfort and functionality is sure to thank you.

For more information of water heater options, visit Overland Park Heating and Cooling today.