The Pros And Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters

You probably don’t give much thought to your water heater as long as it’s doing its job and consistently providing hot water. However, if your current water heater is reaching its last legs, you’re probably considering replacing it with a more modern solution.  

Electric water heater on the cement wall in bathroom. Loft style.

One of the best options available today is tankless water heaters. But how do you decide whether a tankless water heater is the right choice for your home? This article discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of tankless water heaters to help you make an informed decision. Read on.

Pros Of Tankless Water Heaters

• It Is Long-Lasting

Most experts agree that a tankless water heater is more durable and long-lasting than traditional water heaters. On average, a tankless water heater has an average lifespan that’s twice that of conventional water heaters—20 years or more.  

In addition, most models have replaceable parts and are less likely to fail or explode, preventing catastrophic flooding in your home. Most units also have warranties that can help protect your investment in the long term. With this, you want to ensure your tankless water heater will be installed by professional companies like CE Plumbing & Heating to prevent warranty voiding.   

• It Is Space-Saving

If you have a small home or live in an apartment, a tankless water heater is an excellent option. This type of water heater doesn’t need storage and usually comes in small sizes that can be easily mounted to the wall to fit in most closets, for instance, under your kitchen sink cabinet. As a result, it takes up significantly less space than traditional water heaters.

• It Is Energy-Efficient

The primary benefit of a tankless water heater is that they’re highly energy-efficient and can save you on utility bills in the long run. According to a report, it is 8-14% more energy-efficient than a storage-tank water heater.    

Tankless water heaters don’t maintain a water supply and only heat water as needed. Thus, unlike traditional water heaters, they don’t experience standby heat loss and constant reheating. This helps save on energy costs.

• It Provides An Unlimited Supply Of Hot Water

Because tankless water heaters heat water as needed, it’s possible to have an unlimited supply of warm water as long as you keep the tap running. Although there may be some limitations, including the number of water taps or appliances using the water, in principle, a tankless water heater can provide you with a hot shower in your luxury bathroom for as long as you want.   

Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters

• It Takes Longer To Provide Hot Water

Despite its name ‘instant hot water,’ a tankless water heater may still take longer to provide you with hot water than traditional water heaters. Since they don’t have a storage of hot water ready to flow immediately, you’ll have to wait as it heats out idle water in your pipes. Plus, it will need to flush out cool water first before hot water comes through. While the process often takes a few seconds, some units may take minutes, especially if there’s a significant distance between the tap and the heater.

• It Is Expensive

If the primary advantage of a tankless water heater is that it helps save energy costs in the long term, its biggest drawback is the high cost of the unit and its installation services.  

The cost varies depending on the size and heating method. However, it generally costs up to USD$4,000, including installation. It’s more expensive than traditional water heaters due to its high installation cost. In general, it will require a new vent pipe installation or special wiring to handle the increased load.    

• It May Have Inconsistent Water Temperature

As mentioned, tankless water heaters may provide unlimited hot water as needed. If you’re only using one tap or shower, it will provide you with consistent hot water. However, if multiple water taps, appliances, or showers are in use simultaneously, it may not keep up and result in inconsistent water temperatures. However, this can be easily avoided by choosing a water heater with a high flow rate or installing multiple water heaters around your home to accommodate the demand.  

Takeaway

As you can see, a tankless water heater offers numerous advantages over the traditional tank-style water heater. That said, like any product, it also comes with weaknesses and may not be suitable for every home. So, be sure to weigh the pros and cons to help you decide whether or not a tankless water heater is a suitable investment for your home.