Should I Get a Tankless Water Heater?
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Find Out If Tankless Water Heater Is Worth Your Money
Storage tank water heaters are the norm, but tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular recently. It all has to do with the latter’s reputation for working better than tank water heaters, a characteristic that appeals to plenty of American households. But before you buy one of them, it’s good to know more about tankless water heater’s pros and cons.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It? Let’s Find Out!
Should I get a tankless water heater? If you’re in the market for a new water heater, the tankless one is one of the most popular choices. It’s an innovative appliance quickly becoming the standard due to its energy efficiency, space-saving design, and ability to supply on-demand hot water. But is it really the right choice for you?
You can find out through the following tankless water heater pros and cons. Whether you’re looking to save money on your utility bills or simply want a more reliable hot water source, this blog provides valuable information to make an informed decision. Read on to find out if the tankless water heater is right for you.
Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
Should you get a tankless electric water heater? Gas or electric, below are some of the best reasons to get a tankless water heater:
Energy-Efficiency
One of the primary benefits of tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. The difference between tankless water heaters vs. tank water heaters is the former doesn’t heat and reheat a large tank of water continuously. The tankless unit only heats water on demand, so it doesn’t use electricity or gas all the time. Of course, this means you can save money on your monthly energy bills.
Space Saving
Tankless water heaters are compact, meaning they don’t take up a lot of space. Since they don’t need a large storage tank, you can easily install them anywhere, even mounted on a wall. They take up significantly less space than traditional tank water heaters, making tankless units attractive for homeowners with limited floor space.
Endless Instant Hot Water
One of the most convenient benefits of gas or electric tankless water heaters is they can provide instant hot water. You can have hot water anytime, even as soon as you turn on your faucet. Moreover, you can have endless instant hot water. Since they don’t need a storage tank to heat water, you don’t need to wait to refill a tank to have hot water. With a tankless water heater, you can take long showers. You can also run multiple hot water appliances at the same time without worrying about running out of hot water.
Our resident home repair guru, John Turpin, explores the advantages of tankless hot water systems over traditional units. For more assistance, let us put you in touch with a plumbing pro.
Longer Lifespan
Electric or gas tankless electric water heaters generally last longer than traditional tank water heaters. This is thanks to the lack of a storage tank, which means less wear and tear on the unit. This extends the heater’s lifespan to an average of 8 to 12 years. But some can actually last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. The key is maintaining the unit properly, inspecting its connections, flushing it to remove mineral buildup, and inspecting the heat exchanger.
Lower Risk of Water Damage
Traditional tank water heaters can be a source of water damage when the tank inevitably bursts or leaks. Water damage is a much lower risk when it comes to tankless water heaters since they don’t have storage tanks. This can give you peace of mind and helps you save money on costly water damage repairs. With tankless water heaters, you don’t have to worry about flooding or similar catastrophe, seeing it can only cause as much water damage as a leaky faucet.
Improved Water Quality
Since tankless water heaters don’t store water, there’s no risk of sediment or rust buildup that can affect the quality of the water. This is an incredible benefit, especially if you live somewhere with hard water that causes mineral buildup in traditional tank water heaters. With tankless water heaters, you can enjoy cleaner and fresher-tasting water.
Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
Should I install a tankless water heater? Consider the following disadvantages before you make a decision:
Higher Upfront Cost
One of the primary drawbacks of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost. Whether gas or electric tankless water heaters, they are generally more expensive to buy and install than traditional tank water heaters. The initial cost can be two or three times higher than conventional water heaters, plus the installation costs, including the gas line or electrical circuit. The good news is they can save money on energy bills in the long run. Also, the cost may be offset by rebates or tax credits from your state or local government.
Limited Capacity and Flow Rate
Since tankless electric water heaters only heat water on demand, their capacity is limited compared to traditional tank water heaters. As such, they may not be ideal for large homes or households with high hot water usage. They also have a limited flow rate, given that they don’t have a storage tank and produce hot water on demand. If your home’s hot water demands exceed the unit’s flow rate, the water temperature will likely drop, resulting in less hot water or a slower water flow.
Dependence on Electricity or Gas
Tankless water heaters need gas or electricity to operate. This can increase utility bills and contribute to environmental concerns if you don’t use the water heater efficiently. Generally, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters. However, they can still be expensive to run due to the fact they need electricity or gas, particularly if you’re not smart at using them.
Higher Maintenance Costs
Like traditional tank water heaters, tankless water heaters need regular maintenance. This includes flushing the system to remove any mineral buildup. Routine maintenance adds up to your overall cost, but essential. Mineral buildup can reduce the unit’s efficiency, making it crucial not to neglect maintenance. Otherwise, the mineral buildup can cause premature failure and costly repairs.
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient and convenient way to heat water, tankless water heaters are undoubtedly an excellent choice. But before you make a decision, we implore you to consider the above tankless water heater’s pros and cons.
If you only have a small household and don’t need large amounts of hot water, a tankless water heater is a space-saving, cost-effective choice. But if you have a larger home or often require a lot of hot water, it might be best to stick to a traditional tank water heater.
Ultimately, it’s your choice, but you can consult a professional plumber or a heating specialist to find the best water heating solution that fits your needs.
How much does a tankless electric water heater cost?
Various factors affect the price of a tankless electric water heater, including the unit’s size, brand, and features. The average cost is between $500 and $2,000, but it could be more, especially with the added installation cost that could go for $1,000 or more. It seems expensive, but since this type of water heater is more energy-efficient, it offers more cost savings than traditional water heaters.
How long do tankless water heaters last?
Tankless water heaters’ lifespan varies depending on the unit model and brand. However, most units last around 20 years with proper maintenance. You can significantly extend its life expectancy if you maintain it regularly by flushing it to remove mineral buildup.
Can I install a tankless water heater myself?
A homeowner can install a tankless water heater, but it’s not a job best handled by a DIYer, especially an inexperienced one. It is a complex installation process involving various electrical requirements if you have an electric unit. Installing a tankless water heater includes disadvantages, such as loss of warranty and carbon monoxide leaks, which you don’t want to risk.
Does a tankless water heater need maintenance?
Much like traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters require maintenance to ensure they function properly. Maintenance includes flushing the heater to remove mineral buildup, inspecting the heat exchanger, and checking the electrical or gas connections. Routine maintenance helps extend the appliance’s lifespan and prevent breakdowns from frequently happening.
Hire a Local Plumbing Pro
The aforementioned includes some of the key advantages and disadvantages of tankless water heaters. For professional advice and help, contact a local plumbing pro using the phone number or form on this page.