There’s a heated debate among homeowners about the benefits of tankless water heaters. Some may say they absolutely love their tankless units, while others proclaim that a traditional tank system is the way to go. As their name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t have storage tanks. Instead, these units heat the water only when you need it. Their focus is on demand rather than capacity.
Are you gearing up to replace the water heater in your home? If you currently have a tank system, you might wonder if a tankless unit can better meet your needs. Before making a decision, let’s discuss the pros and cons of tankless water heaters.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
When it comes to your home, it’s important to make informed decisions about the appliances and fixtures you install. This certainly includes your water heater. Several advantages and disadvantages of a tankless water heater are worth knowing about — some of which could sway the installation decision you make. Let’s start with the benefits first:
Immediate Hot Water
Tankless units are often referred to as “on-demand water heaters,” and the nickname is well-deserved. With these systems, you don’t have to wait for cold water to heat up inside of a tank before you can use it. If someone cleaned the dishes right before you hopped in the shower, you don’t have to stress about running out of hot water midway through washing your hair.
High Energy Efficiency
It’s impossible to discuss what the pros and cons of tankless water heaters are without mentioning the energy savings they provide. The Department of Energy has mentioned that tankless systems are more energy-efficient than their traditional tank counterparts.
Why is energy efficiency important? When it comes down to it, a system with higher energy efficiency will provide you with more energy savings. As a result, you can significantly lower your energy costs.
If energy efficiency is a big deal to you and your household, you might want to consider looking for an ENERGY STAR® certified unit. Tankless water heaters with this specific logo are guaranteed to be highly efficient.
Longer Lifespan
Tankless water heaters usually have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, they can potentially last even longer with proper maintenance and care. On the contrary, tank water heaters are known to last around 10 to 15 years.
The energy efficiency of tankless systems plays a large part in their longevity. Highly energy-efficient units don’t have to work as hard to heat the water as opposed to those that are less efficient. As a consequence, they’ll experience less wear and tear over the years. Since their parts will last longer, you can also avoid the need for frequent and costly Springfield, IL, water heater repairs.
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Knowing what the pros and cons of tankless water heaters are can make a significant difference when it comes to choosing a unit to install. As a result, it’s critical to understand the setbacks you could potentially face with one of these systems.
Higher Upfront Costs
Tankless units tend to have higher initial costs than storage water heaters. The specific price of the unit will depend on the brand and quality. Also, if you want to install a tankless unit that runs on natural gas, you may need to reroute your gas line. This requirement can be expensive.
On a positive note, the energy savings you can rack up with a tankless water heater usually far outweigh the high upfront costs. Since tankless systems last a long time, you can save on energy costs for many years.
Fluctuating Water Temperatures
When talking about the advantages and disadvantages of tankless water heaters, it’s impossible to overlook this downside. Depending on your household’s hot water usage, you could experience inconsistent and insufficient water temperatures.
For example, if someone is running the washing machine and another is showering, the water heater might not be able to provide the hot water needed for both demands. As a result, the person taking a shower may be surprised to find the water not as hot as they would like it to be.
Fortunately, you can prevent this problem from occurring in the first place by installing a water heater that fits your hot water demands. A professional will need to calculate the flow rate and water usage in your home to find a tankless unit that is sized correctly for you.
Dependent on Electricity
Tankless water heaters can run on gas or electricity. However, it’s worth noting that both natural gas and electric models rely on electricity to some degree. As a result, you won’t be able to use hot water during a power outage.
Is Getting a Tankless Water Heater Worth It?
The answer to this question depends on your household’s individual needs. Now that you know what the pros and cons of tankless water heaters are, you can decide if installing one of these systems is right for you.
If you’re tired of taking cold showers after the hot water has run dry, a tankless unit could be a suitable replacement option. The longevity of these systems is also worth careful consideration. If you plan to sell your home in a few years, the long lifespans of tankless water heaters might not mean much to you.
Don’t rush into an installation. Instead, take some time to review the advantages and disadvantages of a tankless water heater before coming to a decision. Hot water is an important part of everyday life — and the water heater in your home plays a significant role in how and when you receive it.
Call Mike Williams for Water Heater Installation
Is it time to replace the water heater in your home? Mike Williams has been performing water heater installations for homeowners since 1975. If you want more information about the advantages and disadvantages of a tankless water heater, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We can discuss your options and help you make an educated decision that fits your home’s needs. Contact us to learn more about our water heater installations in Springfield, Bloomington, Normal, Champaign, Urbana, and neighboring communities!