Homeowners are becoming more conscientious about the impact their household has on the environment. One way they are trying to make their home more energy efficient is by installing a tankless water heater. These units instantly produce warm water with gas burners or electric coils that use much less energy than the average tank water heater. In fact, gas tankless water heaters are 22% more efficient than the traditional water heater.
But is it worth investing in a tankless water heater for your household? Here are the pros and cons of tankless water heaters to help you decide:
The Pros of Installing a Tankless Water Heater
We already mentioned that installing a tankless water heater can make your home more energy-efficient, but why else should you consider making this large investment? Let’s review the advantages of using this type of water heater:
Instant Hot Water
Even though they do not have storage tanks, tankless water heaters can deliver hot water almost instantly. They heat the water on the spot, so if you do not go above the system’s maximum flow rate at any given time, you will have hot water.
This means you wouldn’t be able to have three people showering at one time while running the dishwasher and be able to deliver warm water to all of these places. However, you could potentially take a single shower that is several hours long and receive hot water through the whole thing.
Lasts Longer
One of the greatest advantages of a tankless water heater is that it has a longer lifespan than a traditional water heater. It can last twice as long — 20 years versus 10 years. This means you will spend less on water heater replacements.
Lower Monthly Costs
Because these systems are more efficient, they will provide energy savings month to month. The savings may be nominal on your monthly energy bills, but you can expect to save hundreds every year.
Saves Space
These units do not have a storage tank, so they are often installed on the basement wall. This extra space is highly desirable for people with smaller homes because every inch of space is precious.
Provides Tax Breaks
Since tankless hot water heaters are more energy-efficient, they are eligible for federal tax credits. This can help offset the high initial costs of installation.
The Cons of Installing a Tankless Water Heater
Unfortunately, tankless water heaters are not suitable for every household. Now that we’ve examined the advantages of installing one of these systems in your home, let’s look at some of the disadvantages.
Limited Hot Water Supply
A standard tankless water heater can only heat several gallons of water at one time. If you run the washing machine while two showers are going, the water heater will run out of hot water because it couldn’t keep up with the demand. For this reason, tankless water heaters are not ideal for homes with large families.
High Installation Costs
Because of the way they are designed, tankless models are more expensive than tank models. Tankless units start at $1,000, while traditional water heaters begin at $500.
Additionally, the installation of tankless water heaters can be more complex, driving up the installation costs. A contractor may need to reroute gas lines or install new venting.
Before investing in a tankless water heater, you will want to ensure that it can handle the demand of your household.
Additional Equipment May Be Needed
If you have hard water, you may need to install a water softener system to protect the tankless water heater. A softener can prevent calcium buildup in the water heater and allow it to function well for the duration of its life. It would be beneficial to have your water tested before installing a new water heater to determine if additional equipment is needed.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
As you can see, there are several benefits to installing a tankless water heater, such as it is more energy-efficient and can save you money in the long run. However, it can be expensive to install, and it has a limited supply of hot water. You will need to consider your budget and your household’s hot water needs to decide if a tankless water heater is right for you.
Our contractors can help you decide if a tankless water heater is right for you. We service all areas around Pittsburgh. Sewer cleaning, hot water heater installations, and HVAC repairs are our specialties! For more information about our services, contact us today.