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Conventional vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Choosing the Right System for Your North Shore Home
Hot water plays a vital role in your home’s comfort — showers, dishwashing, laundry, and more. If your water heater in the North Shore, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, or Deerfield area is aging, inconsistent, or failing, you may be wondering whether to upgrade to a high-efficiency tankless unit or stick with a reliable conventional system.
As the trusted local experts at Drain & Plumbing Services®, we’ve installed, repaired, and maintained thousands of water heaters throughout Lake County. In this guide, we’ll break down the real-world pros and cons of each option to help you make the best choice — and when you’re ready, you can learn more or schedule service on our Water Heater Services page.
What Is a Conventional Water Heater?
Also known as “storage tank” water heaters, these units heat and store a large amount of water — typically 40 to 75 gallons — and keep it ready for use. They’re the most common style in homes throughout Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Glenview, and surrounding communities.
Conventional systems have been around for decades and offer dependable performance at a lower upfront cost. But because they constantly maintain hot water, they can be less efficient over time.
Pros of Conventional Water Heaters
• Lower installation cost: Ideal for budget-conscious homeowners or rental properties.
• Simple maintenance: Quicker repairs and easy-to-find replacement parts.
• Reliable performance: Works well for homes with simultaneous water usage.
Cons of Conventional Water Heaters
• Limited hot water supply: Once the tank empties, it must refill and reheat.
• Higher energy costs: Constantly reheating water uses more fuel.
• Shorter lifespan: Typically lasts 8–12 years in Illinois homes due to mineral buildup.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters heat water only when needed — providing endless hot water on demand. They’re increasingly popular in the North Shore and Lake County due to their efficiency, compact design, and long service life.
Instead of storing hot water, tankless systems rapidly heat water as it flows through the unit, which eliminates standby heat loss and lowers utility bills.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
• Endless hot water: Perfect for large families or back-to-back showers.
• Higher energy efficiency: Only heats water when needed.
• Longer lifespan: Tankless units often last 15–20+ years.
• Saves space: Compact wall-mounted design is great for condos and townhomes.
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
• Higher initial cost: Installation is more complex and may require gas line upgrades.
• Output limitations: Multiple fixtures running at once can exceed capacity.
• Annual maintenance needed: Especially important in areas with hard water like the North Shore.
Which Water Heater Is Right for Your Home?
The right choice depends on your home’s size, water usage, fuel type, and long-term goals. Homes in Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, and Deerfield with heavy hot water demand often benefit from tankless systems, while smaller households or those replacing older units may prefer the simplicity and lower cost of a conventional heater.
Why Choose Drain & Plumbing Services® for Water Heater Installation?
Our licensed plumbing technicians service all major brands and provide honest recommendations based on your home’s needs — not sales quotas. Whether you need emergency replacement, tank-to-tankless conversion, troubleshooting, or routine maintenance, we deliver fast, professional service backed by years of experience throughout Chicago’s North Shore and Lake County.
Schedule Water Heater Service Today
Ready to upgrade or need help diagnosing a water heater issue? Visit our Water Heater Services page to learn more — or call now to speak with a local expert.
Searching for “best water heater installers near me”? Look for Drain & Plumbing Services® — trusted locally for fast, reliable repairs and installations.
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