Are you thinking about having a tankless water heater installed in your Auburn-Opelika, AL or Columbus, GA home? These water heaters are becoming more popular because they offer some great benefits. However, they also have some drawbacks.
Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air will discuss five pros and cons of tankless water heaters, so you can make an informed decision about whether embracing the technology is right for you. First though, let’s briefly consider what a tankless water heater is.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is a type of water heater that heats water only when you need it. Traditional storage tank water heaters continuously heat water in a tank. Tankless water heaters heat water as it passes through the unit. This means you get hot water on demand without having to wait.
The professionals at Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air are happy to provide more information about tankless water heaters vs. storage tank water heaters, so you can decide which is the best choice for you. Schedule an appointment with Dixie today.
Pros of a Tankless Water Heater
1. Endless Hot Water
One of the biggest advantages of a tankless water heater is that it provides endless hot water. You won’t run out of hot water during a long shower or when multiple people need to use hot water at the same time. This is because the water is heated as it flows through the heater, so it never runs out.
2. Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient is much higher with a tankless than that of traditional water heaters. Traditional water heaters keep a large tank of water hot all the time, which uses a lot of energy. A tankless water heater only uses energy when you need hot water. Hot water on demand technology can save on your monthly energy costs.
3. Space-Saving Design
Another benefit of a tankless water heater is that it takes up less space. Traditional water heaters have large tanks that can take up a lot of room. Tankless water heaters are much smaller and can be mounted on a wall. This can free up space in your home for other uses.
4. Increased Lifespan
Tankless water heaters generally last longer than traditional water heaters. Storage tank water heaters typically last about 10-15 years. They can last up to 20 years or more if maintained properly. This means you won’t have to replace it as often.
5. Reduced Risk of Water Damage
Tankless water heaters don’t store water, so the risk of water damage is greatly reduced. Traditional water heaters can leak or burst, causing water damage to your home. A tankless water heater eliminates this risk, giving you peace of mind.
Cons of a Tankless Water Heater
1. Higher Initial Cost
One of the main drawbacks of a tankless water heater is the higher initial cost. Tankless water heaters can be more expensive to buy and install than traditional water heaters. However, the energy savings over time and the longer lifespan can help offset this cost.
2. Inadequate Flow Rate
While tankless water heaters provide endless hot water, under certain circumstances the flow rate may not meet the needs of the home’s occupants. In other words, if multiple people have a need for hot water at the same time, supply may not keep up with demand. For example, you might not be able to run the dishwasher and take a shower at the same time without having decreased water pressure.
3. Complex Installation
Installing a tankless water heater can be more complex than installing a traditional water heater. You may need to upgrade your home’s electrical system or gas lines to support the tankless heater. This can add to the installation cost and complexity.
4. Regular Maintenance
Tankless water heaters will need regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently, such as removing mineral buildup by a process called descaling. Traditional water heaters also need maintenance, but it is often less frequent.
5. Potential for Temperature Fluctuations
Some tankless water heaters can have temperature fluctuations, especially if the flow rate changes suddenly. This can result in a brief burst of cold water before the heater adjusts. While this is not a common problem, it can be an annoyance for some users.
Professional Water Heater Installation
A tankless water heater can be a great choice for many homes, offering endless hot water, energy efficiency, and a space-saving design. However, they also have some drawbacks.
If you want to schedule a tankless water heater installation today or would like more clarity about which type of water heater might work best with your budget, and still meet your needs, call Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air to meet with one of our knowledgeable and experienced plumbers.
