Pros And Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters

It is a common belief that tankless water heaters are more efficient than the traditional tank water heaters. The theory rests on the fact that tankless water heaters warm water only when it is needed, essentially saving you on energy costs. They are more compact and do not require as much setup. Therefore, over the years, tankless water heaters have become a popular alternative to their older counterparts.

Pro’s Of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are seen as modern, minimal, energy saving alternatives to the traditional tank water heater. There is a lot of new information about them, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon your tank water heater right away. Here are some of the core benefits to a tankless water heater.

They Save Space

Tankless water heaters are naturally smaller than traditional water heaters. They take up less space and they are easy to set up. There is not a major installation process required. They are fairly portable and versatile. Tankless water heaters would be useful in a home or apartment where space is minimal.

They’re Good For The Environment

Tankless water heaters are said to be better for the environment because they do not require energy all of the time. A traditional water heater uses energy constantly so that the water inside of it is constantly hot. This can waste energy in the long run because you are paying for your water heater to stay warm, even while you are not using it, like as you sleep.

A tankless water heater on the other hand only heats your water when you need it. It does not use energy 24/7, it simply heats your water immediately when you need hot water. This saves money on electricity, while simultaneously helping the environment but cutting down on your electric output.

The one downside that occurs is that a tankless water heater uses more energy all at once so that it can heat water on demand. In some circumstances, this means that you end up using the same amount of energy as you would with a tank water heater. Tankless water heaters only save you energy if you use hot water less.

Tankless Water Heaters Last For A Long Time

Your tankless water heater has a lifespan of around 20 years if it is properly maintained. A regular tank water heater lasts for around 10 years. The tankless water heater has virtually double the lifespan. This saves you money in the long run because you will not have to replace it as frequently.

Con’s Of Tankless Water Heaters

They’re Expensive

Tankless water heaters may save you money in the long run, with longevity and energy costs, however, they cost more initially. This is in general, however, and depends on the style and model of water heater you want.

They Only Work When The Power Is On

Your tankless water heater still runs on energy, and it uses much larger amounts of energy in order to heat your water immediately, rather than at a constant rate. In the event of a power surge or outage, you will also lose your hot water.

You may be thinking that a warm shower isn’t the first thing you’d want in a power outage, so this is a minor con to the tankless water heater, but if there is a blackout for long periods of time, this could become problematic.

Tank water heaters keep water warm 24/7, so in the event of a power outage, there will still be hot water for several days. Even if the tank water heater can’t continue to use energy to keep the water warm, there is already hot water for a period of time.

It Is Hard To Run Multiple Appliances At Once

When your water heater has to heat multiple different appliances at once, it can be less effective. When you have a tank water heater, you can wash dishes and take a shower at the same time because your source of water is warm at all times. Tankless water heaters are also less effective in homes with a naturally low water pressure.

Should You Make The Switch?

If your current water heater is getting old, or you notice changes in its effectiveness, it might be time to get a new one. If you were happy with the make and model of your old water heater, see if you can simply get it repaired before seeking to install a new one. Replacing old parts is often all you need to do, it is a cost effective and relatively stress-free process. Instead of replacing your water heater altogether.

If you are moving or live in a newer home, there is a chance that you have a tankless water heater already. The best thing to keep in mind when thinking of switching water heaters is to pick what works for you.

If you and other members of your household don’t use large amounts of hot water on a daily basis, a tankless water heater might be a good idea. Keep in mind the pros as well as the cons. Getting a new tankless water heater depends on your needs.

If you want to save space and conserve slightly more energy, it is a good option. If you have several people living in a home and you run multiple appliances at once, a tank water heater is a better option.

Talk With Your Plumber

If you are still unsure about whether or not a tankless water heater is right for you, you can always ask your plumber! At Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating, we have over 50 years of experience working in the field. You can always call for a plumbing assessment, or ask us about what appliances would best suit your home and situation. Call us or come on in today!