The average US household uses 80-100 gallons of water per day.

Hot water has become a standard part of most homes. No one likes a cold shower, so having a steady supply of hot water will help keep you and your family happy. There are various types available, so how do you choose a water heater for your home?

In this guide, we'll compare traditional and tankless water heaters so that you can determine which is better for you. Keep reading for more.

How Do Traditional Water Heaters Work?

A tank water heater stores hot water in an insulated tank. This tank contains various components that heat the water using either gas or electricity.

Cold water feeds in and rises as it's heated. This hot water can then flow out to your shower, bathtub, and sink as and when it's needed.

These are the most common types of water heaters. They come with several advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of a Traditional Water Heater

These are less expensive to install and are typically relatively easy to repair and operate.

They have a good tolerance for usage from multiple sources, so if someone is using the kitchen sink, it shouldn't affect the water in the shower, for example. They can also heat a lot of water at once, so you'll have plenty stored, ready to go whenever needed.

Disadvantages of a Traditional Water Heater

While they hold a lot of water, the tanks can take a long time to fill.

They're not very efficient; you may experience high energy bills. They're also quite large, so you need space in your home to store them.

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

There are two types of tankless water heaters. The first is point-of-use, which is small and only for one appliance, such as a kitchen sink or a shower.

The other type is whole-house tankless water heaters, which support multiple appliances. Both types heat the water as and when it's needed. You can determine the best of the two based on your needs.

Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

These are far more efficient than traditional water heaters. As such, you'll have lower utility bills, and they're more environmentally friendly.

They take up less space and have a longer lifespan, which can be very ideal. They're also less prone to leaks, so you shouldn't need them repaired as often.

Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater

While your bills will be lower, these will cost more to install. They're generally not as widely available, being the more modern option. There can also be some lag time for hot water, although this usually isn't too long.

Which Should You Go For?

Choosing a home water heater is often tricky. You should consider the needs of you and your family to decide what's best.

Powerhouse Home Services offers traditional and tankless water heaters, so whichever you prefer, we can recommend a good choice and take care of the installation. Take a look at our Plumbing Services page for more information.