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Top 6 Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
If you are in the market for a new water heater, you may want to consider one that is tankless. Just as the name implies, tankless water heaters heat water on demand so there is no need for a tank to store and maintain heated water. This makes them highly energy efficient. Here are some of the benefits, and disadvantages, of a tankless water heater. See if one is right for you and your home.
The Benefits of Going Tankless
1. Comfort and convenience with endless hot water
With a traditional storage tank water heater, the hot water could run out. If you use all the water that is stored in the tank, you have to wait for it to refill and heat up. A tankless water heater is ready to go when you need it. This comes in handy if you need to fill a big tub or whirlpool.
2. Eco-friendly
Because tankless systems only heat water when it’s needed, instead of heating it continuously, they use less energy. Electric models don’t produce greenhouse gases.
3. Cost savings
Less energy use translates into lower energy bills. Tankless water heaters use 30-50% less energy and reduce your water bill by up to 20%.
4. Long-lasting
Tankless water heaters last up to 20 years, with greater reliability. That’s 5 to10 years longer than traditional storage water heaters. Tankless water heaters also have longer warranties, typically 15 years compared to 6 years for a conventional water heater.
5. Scores high on safety
With a tankless water heater, there is no risk of leaking or flooding.
6. Saves space.
Tankless water heaters take up much less space than tank water heaters. They can be mounted on interior or exterior walls, and even be installed in closet.
The Disadvantages of Going Tankless
Two key points are important to consider when thinking about a tankless water heater for your home.
The primary disadvantage is the upfront cost. Tankless heaters are more expensive to purchase and install. If you are thinking of switching from a tank to a tankless system, the cost of upgrading gas lines and adding electrical, if necessary, increases the cost significantly. Weigh the savings on energy costs and repairs over the life of the system against the initial investment.
Another important consideration is how tankless heaters work and whether one is a good fit for your lifestyle. A tankless water heater can only serve one faucet at a time, so it can’t, for example, accommodate simultaneous showers, or running the dishwasher and washing machine with hot water at the same time.
Is a tankless water heater right for you?
Before making the decision to go tankless, think about these factors:
- Demand:
Do you need to access hot water for more than one use at a time?
- Type of system:
Consider the requirements. An electric model may require upgraded wiring to accommodate proper voltage and amperage, as well as a new circuit breaker. Gas-fired models need to be vented.
- Location:
Tankless water heaters must be within roughly 50 feet of a power source.
- Cost:
Upfront costs can be twice as much as water heaters with tanks.
- Installation:
Unless you are highly qualified and handy, you’ll need to hire a plumber or HVAC contractor to install it. (Often, the installation is included when you purchase a unit from a dealer.)
