Would you like hot water on demand? Do you wonder, are tankless water heaters right for you? Our plumbers at Lakota Plumbing in Westminster can explain the pros and cons of tankless water heaters to help you decide.
Most American homes use conventional tank water heaters. These water heaters store gallons of hot water, keeping it at a steady temperature so that hot water is always available when you want it. There are also tankless water heaters that heat the water directly as needed instead of using a storage tank.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a tankless water heater compared to a conventional.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
- Energy Savings
Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient. Levels will vary, but if you look at the Energy Guide stickers on tankless and conventional water heaters, you’ll see a significant difference in estimated energy consumption.
Different tankless water heaters have their own energy-saving features, but they are all more energy efficient than conventional heaters because tankless heats as needed and doesn’t have to store water. Compare this with a conventional water heater that stores water and uses energy by constantly cooling and re-heating.
- Small Size
A tankless water heater’s small size is also a benefit. These heaters are about the size of a briefcase which allows you to install one almost anywhere, which frees up space in your home.
- Lasts Longer
If you take care of your tankless water heater by providing routine maintenance, you can expect it to last up to 20 years. A conventional water heater only lasts 10-13 years.
- Increased Home Value
Adding a tankless water heater to your home can increase your home value. This is because buyers appreciate the energy savings and convenience that comes with tankless water heaters.
Cons of a Tankless Water Heater
- Purchase Price
The purchase price of a tankless water heater is higher than conventional water heaters. The installation is also more costly, and you will need a professional plumber to install it.
You may want to calculate whether you will be in the home long enough to see the savings from the energy efficiency compared to the upfront purchase and installation costs.
- Amount of Water Heated
Tankless water heaters should be sized to the amount of hot water needed in the house. Sometimes conventional models can put out more hot water than the tankless heaters depending on the water demands. If you have a lot of people needing hot water at the same time, a conventional model may be a better choice.
- Water Waste
Both types of water heaters require a short time to get the hot water to the faucet, but the tankless heater takes a little bit longer. This creates additional water waste.
If possible, install the tankless water heater closer to the faucet that will require the most hot water to combat these issues.
If you are wondering, are tankless water heaters right for you, our plumbing experts at Lakota Plumbing in Westminster can help you decide if a tankless water heater is best for your home. We’ll help weigh the pros and cons of your unique situation and provide our expert recommendation. Once you’ve made a choice, we can complete the installation for you so that you can enjoy hot showers for years to come.