The concept is simple – instead of relying on a tank that stores hot water and inevitably has an end, tankless heaters increase the temperature of your faucet water immediately and without the need for storage.
But, are tankless water heaters better than other types of boilers? Let’s take a closer look at tankless water heater pros and cons to help you make the best decision.
Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons: Everything You Need to Know
It’s important to note that every household is unique and therefore has different requirements. As such, you should evaluate your family’s needs, your financial situation, and all factors that influence your decision.
It’s also a great idea to find an HVAC installation expert you can trust. At DR Jordan Plumbing, we specialize in installing all types of HVAC systems and unit combinations.
Contact us today if you need help choosing the best unit for your home or if you want to get a quote for your project.
Here are the pros and cons of tankless water heater units.
Tankless Water Heater Pros
As we mentioned earlier, tankless water heaters tend to be more practical because they don’t require a water tank to operate. This, in turn, makes both the placement and installation processes more straightforward.
Not only this, the pros of a tankless water heater include:
Energy Efficient
The Department of Energy estimates that tankless heaters are as much as 34% more efficient than conventional models. It’s also said that their efficiency compounds, so you can save up to 50% if you install tankless heaters wherever you need hot water.
More Affordable to Run
The electric tankless water heater pros and cons discussion is often dominated by operating price. In this sense, tankless heaters usually come out on top because they use less energy, and thus cost less money to run.
Takes Up Less Space
Remember how we mentioned that not having a water tank makes the heater easier to place? This translates to taking up less space in your home, which instantly gives you more flexibility in terms of where you want to install your heaters.
Endless Hot Water
Tankless heaters don’t rely on a water tank to store and distribute the hot water. Instead, these appliances heat the water on demand, which theoretically allows you to get as much hot water as you want. We will cover the caveats of this pro later in this article, but it allows you to take long showers without the fear of getting iced.
Long-Lasting
The best part may just be that tankless heaters can last up to 20 years if cared for properly. In other words, your tankless heater can actually last longer than a traditional gas-powered tank heater would and cost you less money to run it.
Tankless Water Heater Cons
No list of the pros and cons of a tankless water heater is complete without mentioning the use of various units simultaneously.
Depending on the size of your tankless heater, you may need to install a few different units in order to provide hot water to every part of your home. At the same time, you can also solve this issue by acquiring a larger tankless heater.
Let’s take a look at other cons of this type of boiler.
There’s a Caveat to the Endless Hot Water
While tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water, their flow rate may limit usage. Multiple faucets running at the same time can reduce temperature, especially in larger households with high hot water demands.
Higher Upfront Costs
Though tankless water heaters save money in the long run, they often come with higher initial costs. Installation and unit expenses may be steeper than conventional water heaters, affecting getting it right now or if you need to plan ahead.
Looking for a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters are more efficient than their traditional counterparts. Not only this but having a tankless heater is a great way to get as much hot water as you’d like, so you’ll never be caught by ice-cold water while you have shampoo in your hair.
That said, there are also a few cons that may not make tankless heaters a good match for you, like a higher upfront cost.
We hope that the list above helps you make the best choice and get a heating unit that makes you and your family happy. Ready to get a quote from an experienced tankless heater installer? Contact DR Jordan Plumbing and our team will be glad to help.
