Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons

An increasing number of people are turning to tankless water heaters in a bid to create energy-efficient homes. These units are efficient since they deliver hot water only when you need it. You don’t have to leave the heater on like the conventional systems which have to remain switched on around the clock to keep heating the water.

The fact that the tankless water heater only heats the water once, it saves a lot of energy. Here are the pros and cons of the tankless water heater:

Pros

• Instant hot water. They heat the water as it moves from the pipes to the faucets thus providing an endless, instant stream of hot water. You can, therefore get hot water without needing a bulk storage tank.
• Longer Lifespan. Tankless water heaters generally have longer lifespans. While the standard water heater lasts for a decade or less, its tankless counterpart may last for up to 20 years.
• Lower energy costs. It may cost you more money to buy a tankless water heater but you will save a lot of money when it comes to the energy costs.
• Saving space. By their nature, tankless water heaters are smaller than their conventional counterparts. It can be mounted on a wall or somewhere in the basement. After all, you don’t need space for storing a tank. That can save you a lot of space.
• Eliminating ‘standby losses’. Traditional water heaters have to repeatedly reheat the water thus increasing the energy costs. Whether you are at home or away, the water heater keeps consuming energy. Not so for a tankless water heater.
• Hot water never runs out. If you rely on a conventional water heater, the tank is likely to eventually run out hot water. With a tankless heater, each and every one who needs hot water in your home will get it promptly and adequately.
• Choosing an electric or gas model. Whether you want a gas-powered or electric model, you will be able to get it on the market. With an electric model, you don’t have to reroute the gas lines or make labor-intensive modifications.

Cons

• Inconsistent temperatures. Users of tankless water heaters often complain about the inconsistent temperatures due to their inability to provide enough hot water to multiple users at the same time.
• High initial cost. The tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan and are, therefore, more expensive. While the conventional water heaters cost $500, their tankless counterparts cost $1,000 on average.
• A limited supply of hot water. That’s especially if you need to use the hot water for several applications in the house including dishwashing, showering, or washing machine. It cannot keep up with the demands that a conventional water heater can easily handle.
• Requires additional equipment. For example, you will require to install a water softener to enable the tankless water heater to work properly.

If you don’t know whether you should choose a tankless heater or not, ask a professional for help. Contact Burlington City Plumbers for more information on water heater installation and maintenance in Burlington and the surrounding answers.