Many homeowners consider upgrading their water heaters to tankless models when they need a new one. Tankless water heaters can be a great investment for homeowners if it is the right fit for their needs. Below, we will discuss some of the Pros and Cons of a tankless water heater.
Pro – Energy Efficiency
A tankless water heater is a great way to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Rather than heating a tank full of water, this unit heats water as it moves through the system, only heating what is needed. This saves energy over time and reduces the amount of time heat is being wasted throughout the day.
Con – Upfront Costs
Generally, the cost of installation can be higher than more traditional models. While energy efficiency can offset this in the long run, it usually takes more to install.
Pro – Unlimited Hot Water through a Tankless Heater
Unlike a traditional model, there isn’t a finite amount of heated water. The more you need, the more will be heated.
Con – Limited Flow Rates of Tankless Models
With water heater tanks, multiple sources can draw from the heater and drain it over time. With a tankless model, there is only so much water that can flow out at once. This can lower the amount of hot water going to each unit. While the hot water is unlimited, there is only so much that can be drawn at once. This will usually only matter if you plan on showering while running the dishwasher and the washing machine. Bigger houses with more people may struggle to maintain enough hot water throughout. More powerful models may be needed to remedy this.
Pro – Tankless Heaters Save Space
Tankless heaters take up less room in the house. This makes them ideal for cramped boiler rooms, or shared spaces such as finished basements and garages.
Con – More Regular Maintenance
Tankless water heaters require more routine maintenance to keep the system running efficiently. This includes flushing out the system.
Pro – Tankless Heaters Last Longer
Traditional water heaters are built to last 6 to 12 years in a home. Tankless models can last up to 20 years with proper care. This means you may have to replace a traditional model 2-3 times before replacing a tankless unit.
Hire a Professional To Replace Your Water Heater
A water heater requires hookups to both plumbing and a heat source (whether gas or electric. Because of this, you should hire a licensed professional plumber to install your unit. You should also use a trusted professional to provide upkeep and maintenance of your tankless unit. The Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island provide our community with a directory of trusted, licensed professionals in their area to handle any remodel, installation, or maintenance job they need.
Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island is proud to connect residents with trusted professionals. Visit our Member Directory for a full list of all of our local experts.
Leave A Comment