What Are the Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters?
Most water heaters require a giant tank that holds standing water until someone in the home needs it. However, these tanks are bulky and heavy. Luckily, manufacturers developed tankless water heaters. As the name implies, this water heater doesn’t require a tank. In addition to not requiring a tank to hold water, there are also many other benefits. There are some cons that come with tankless water heaters too. Here is some information on the pros and cons of tankless water heaters and how to know if a tankless water heater is a suitable choice for you.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Hot Water Instantly
A tankless water heater works by heating the water on demand instead of heating it and keeping it in a tank. With this method, the hot water will never run out as it will in a tank. You will not have to worry about other people in the home using up the hot water before you get a chance to get into the shower. You also won’t have to worry about rooms that are far away from the water heater getting hot water. It will be hot instantly no matter how far away you run the water.
Reduce Utility Bills
Since a tankless unit doesn’t need to keep the water in the tank warm constantly, it uses less electricity. It’s estimated that it uses 27% to 50% less electricity. Since the unit is directly connected to each room, it also won’t require additional energy to get to a faraway room. Since you are using less electricity, your electric bill will be significantly lower.
Better for Environment
When you use less electricity, you are helping the environment. You won’t be putting more requests on the electric company to keep working and putting pollutants in the air. By using less electricity, you help reduce the amount of fuel needed to generate electricity. We all need to do our part to help the environment. A tankless water heater is a step in the right direction.
Longer Life Expectancy
Water heaters that utilize a tank last roughly ten years. Tankless water heaters last roughly twenty years. You won’t need to pay for a new water heater as quickly as you would with a water heater tank.
Take Up Less Space
You only have so much room in your house. You don’t want to waste your precious space with a giant water heater tank. Most water heater tanks are 60-inches tall and 24-inches wide. In comparison, tankless units are generally about 28-inches in height and width. You can use that space to store clothes, decorations, or photo albums. A tankless water heater is also easier to work on since it is smaller. Also, disposing of a tankless water heater is much easier if you need to install a new unit.
Less Maintenance
Water heater tanks require maintenance at least once a year. Tankless water heaters only need maintenance once every four or five years, especially if the home has a water softener. You will save money on maintenance and get a technician to do the maintenance when you need it.
Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater
Inconsistent Temperatures
One of the biggest complaints people have about tankless water heaters is that it doesn’t produce hot water all of the time. This can be due to people not turning on the faucet all the way when running water for a shower or bath. Tankless water heaters are activated by the faucet being turned on completely. If the faucet isn’t all the way on, the water heater may not activate.
Higher Cost Upfront
Tankless water heaters are significantly more expensive than traditional water heaters, starting at $1000.00. In comparison, traditional water heaters cost an average of $500. Installation costs significantly more, too, depending on the home’s current setup.
Additional Equipment
You may need to install a water softener for the tankless water heater to work properly. A water softener removes sediment and chemicals from the water so that they do not damage the plumbing or equipment in your house. This may not be necessary if you already have a water softener at your main water line.
Installation can require additional work to the plumbing and gas lines in your home. In some cases, a gas-powered tankless water heater may require the plumber to reroute the gas lines or install a ventilation system. In these cases, consider looking into electric tankless water heaters instead.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
Before you choose a tankless water heater, you need to evaluate whether it is the best solution for your home. Things to consider include the condition of your current water heater and your financial situation.
If your current water heater is working perfectly and is relatively new, you probably want to wait before making a change. You’ll also need to have a professional examine your plumbing to verify the installation process. Will it be easy? Or will it require additional work?
If you are making the decision to go from a water tank to a tankless water heater, there is a significant amount of work involved. You will need to safely disconnect the water heater, whether it is gas or electric. Once the water heater is properly disconnected from all supply lines in your home, you will need to move it. Water heater tanks are particularly heavy, so you will need someone to help you move it. You should also learn about how to dispose of it properly.
Your financial situation will play a big role in your decision to purchase a tankless water heater. First and foremost, do you have the money for the initial purchase and installation? If you do not have the money upfront, you can talk to your plumber about financing options. This initial cost can save you a lot of money in the future, especially if you plan to keep your house. If you plan on selling your house soon, you may want to investigate alternative options.
Contact Us
Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning is a local HVAC company that handles all your HVAC needs, including heating and cooling repair, heating and cooling installation, water heaters, electrical services, duct services, air quality, maintenance, and emergency services. It’s your one-stop shop for anything involving the temperature in your home.
We only hire professionally trained staff and only use high-quality products. We have won Puget Sound Energy’s Energy Efficiency Action Award for nine years in a row. You know that when you go with Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning that you will get equipment designed to be energy efficient and that helps to save on your energy bills. Ask about financing if you don’t have the money available on hand.
Tankless water heaters are becoming more and more popular today. However, you need to learn if it is the best option for you. Knowing the benefits and disadvantages can help you make the right decision. For the best advice, turn to the experts. Call Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning for a consultation today.
