When it comes to heating water for home use, the tankless water heater is one of the first products to shake up the industry in decades. On-demand water heaters are skyrocketing in popularity, and are often a more efficient solution for many homeowners. As with any major appliance, however, they come with their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks which should be carefully considered before a purchasing decision is made. When the time comes to replace your hot water heater, consider the pros and cons of doing so with a new tankless model.
Pros
The benefits of using a tankless water heater are numerous. They take up far less space than a traditional storage tank model, are far more energy efficient and cost significantly less to operate than their storage tank brethren. Instead of heating unused water which is then held indefinitely, you’re only using energy to heat what you need at any given moment.
The average estimated lifespan of a tankless model is up to two decades, which also outstrips the ten to thirteen years estimated for a traditional model. Even with the higher up-front cost of a tankless hot water heater, the increased longevity and energy savings often make it a far more economical option in the long run.
Cons
The primary drawback to tankless water heaters will usually only effect large households, which is the fact that more than one point of demand can reduce the effectiveness of the water heater. If someone in the house is showering while others are doing a load of laundry in hot water and running the dishwasher, the output is going to be reduced for everyone in the house. Tankless water heaters may not be the best solution in high-demand households. Additionally, the increased up-front expense over a traditional water heater may be prohibitive for some families, though the cost is often recouped in fairly short order through reduced energy bills.
Working with a licensed and experienced plumber to determine whether or not a tankless water heater is right for your family is the best way to make an informed and accurate assessment.
Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing
