Tankless water heaters may be the right option to heat water for every hot water tap throughout your home. They don’t store hot water like conventional water heaters do, which is a huge pro for many homeowners. They’re also very energy efficient, and because they use less energy, you pay less to heat water with electricity or natural gas, save money, and lower your environmental impact.
Be aware there are some downsides to consider when buying a tankless water heater. Tankless gas water heater units and electric tankless water heaters can be great, but do you know how they compare to storage tank heater systems?
While many people prefer tankless heaters because they don’t have to wait for water to come to temperature and can enjoy instant hot water, tankless hot water heater systems may not be the best choice for every situation. Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, a Columbus professional plumber, shares the facts on electric tankless water heater and gas units. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of tankless water heaters so you can make an informed decision.
There are two main types of tankless water heaters: an electric tankless system and gas tankless hot water system. The key difference between them is how they generate heat. Electric models use an electric element that is heated by electricity from the home’s electrical wiring, while gas models use a gas burner that is powered by natural gas or propane to create heat in the heat exchanger, producing a water temperature rise. Gas models are more energy efficient than electric models, but both types allow you to save energy as the water heater heats water and save money on your energy bill.
When shopping for new conventional water heaters or tankless water heaters, consider the pluses and minuses on each side. Lets start our review of tankless water heater pros and cons with the positives you can expect to receive when you install electric tankless water heaters or tankless gas water heater models.
Hot water on demand – that’s what tankless water heaters are all about. They’re also called demand-type water heaters because that’s how they work. When you need hot water supply, they provide it instantly, then stop when you’re done. They provide hot water only when you turn on the faucet or start a shower, and then they shut off automatically when you’re finished. Tankless water heater gas units have a gas burner that ignites when you need hot water. Electric tankless water heaters have coils that heat up when you need hot water.
You never have to wait for the hot water to refill as you enjoy an endless supply from tankless heaters. Traditional water heaters rely on a storage tank of hot water that can eventually run out of how much hot water is on hand, leaving you with nothing but cold water and a cold shower. With a tankless water heater, the hot water is available immediately, no matter how much has been used recently. This means you can always enjoy a hot shower or bath without having to wait for the water to heat up again.
If you’re looking for a way to cut down on your energy costs, tankless water heaters are a great option for energy efficiency compared to a conventional water heater. If you want to reduce your power bill, generate greater energy savings, and get more bang for your buck, consider installing an electric model or gas tankless water heater today!
A tankless water heater only uses energy when it’s heating water and doesn’t have to expend energy, keeping 50 gallons of water hot 24/7 like a tank system does. Water heaters with storage tanks are less energy efficient than tankless systems and can increase your monthly energy costs due to the significant amount of energy required to keep the water hot.
A tankless water heater only consumes energy when actively heating water, and there are no standby losses associated with around-the-clock water heating, as there are with a tank water heater. This means that you won’t pay for the energy wasted when your hot water is ready, but you aren’t using any, which is one of the biggest advantages of a tankless system.
A storage water heater just doesn’t last as long as a tankless heater does. Tank-style heaters average 10 to 12 years of service, while a tankless water heater work lifespan can be 20 to 30 years! With a tankless water heater, you can protect your supply of hot water for many years longer than if you were using a storage-tank water heater to hold your heated water.
Why do tankless water heaters last so much longer than traditional water heaters? The absence of the tank is pretty important here. Because tank water heaters are constantly holding water, they are constantly exposed to minerals that can corrode the unit and cause it to fail. With no storage tank, tankless water heaters avoid this appliance-ending hazard.
Traditional storage tank water heaters can be a great option for those who have the space for one. However, tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular because they are much more compact and can be installed on a wall, taking up no floor space. Additionally, tankless units don’t need to store a large reserve of hot water, which makes them even more space-efficient.
Their compact size also allows for flexible installation, which is perfect for smaller spaces. If you’re looking for a water heater that won’t take up too much room, a tankless unit may be the right choice for you.
There are many advantages to a tankless water heater, but one of the most important is that it is typically much safer than a traditional water heater. With no exposed storage tank of hot water, there is no risk of leaks or flooding in your home in the event of a malfunction or a tank exploding. And because tankless water heaters don’t rely on stored water, they are less susceptible to corrosion and other problems that can occur with traditional heaters.
While there are many great attributes that come with a tankless water heater, not all homeowners prefer them. Now, lets take a look at some of the negatives homeowners associate with tankless water heaters.
Tankless units often have an increased upfront cost but may save you money in the long run due to lower operating costs. Tankless water heater costs can be anywhere from 25 to 50% more expensive to purchase. Gas tankless water heaters cost more in price than electric tankless units in most instances.
Additionally, installation costs for a tankless system may be higher due to the need for additional work, such as rerouting gas lines or upgrading electrical wiring. Finally, you may need to install a water softener to protect your tankless unit from mineral buildup.
If you’re considering switching to a tankless water heater, it’s important to make sure the unit you choose has a high enough water flow rate to meet your home’s peak hot water usage demand. Otherwise, you may find yourself with lukewarm water when using the hot water tap in multiple areas of the home – not ideal for washing dishes in the dishwasher and taking a shower simultaneously! Work with a professional plumber to ensure your hot water needs are adequately met by the new tankless unit.
If you’re using a tankless water heater, you may occasionally experience what’s known as a cold water sandwich. This happens when you use hot water from multiple outlets at the same time, which can cause the water temperature to fluctuate. First, there seems like steady hot water, but you receive a burst of cold water before it’s hot again. While it’s not a major problem, some homeowners prefer to avoid it if possible.
If you lose power, you’ll be out of luck if you have a tankless water heater. That’s because all tankless water heaters, gas or electric, rely on electricity to work. So during a power outage, you won’t be able to heat up any water unless you’ve installed a backup generator or use another method.
As you can see, there are many good qualities linked to tankless water heaters, as well as some inconveniences and drawbacks associated with tankless water heater models. Before you default to conventional water heaters for your next upgrade, we urge you to first consider the tankless water heater pros and cons.
Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is available to assist you as you explore your new tankless water heater options. Contact us today and speak with our team about your choices and schedule a quote for installation costs.