Do you keep running out of hot water and need a permanent solution to this issue? Well, you can opt for tankless water heaters that heat water on demand without any requirement for the bulky storage tank. These promise a continuous supply of hot water and even save energy. But still, if you are not sure, it is essential to know all about the tankless water heater pros and cons in detail. This handy guide has all the information and even helps you choose gas and electric models.
Understanding Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater refers to a water heater that provides instant hot water whenever you need it. These heaters offer hot water without the need for any storage tank. This ultimately saves both space and energy to suit your home’s needs in the best way.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
All Tankless water heaters start working when you turn on your hot water tap. Know about the working process below:
- Just open the tap. This allows the heater to let cold-water flow through the gas/electric element to heat instantly.
- The heater will provide hot water as long as you keep the tap open.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
Have a look at the top advantages of tankless water heaters below.
- Instant Hot Water Supply
The main advantage of installing this water heater is its prompt hot water delivery. Where you will find a traditional heater running out of hot water after a few showers, a tankless water heater offers quick hot water on demand.
- High Energy Efficiency
All Tankless water heaters are designed to be more energy efficient than traditional water heaters. As per the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless heaters can be 24-34% more energy-efficient for homes that use less than 41 gallons of hot water daily. This is because they cut down all standby energy losses that come with storage tank heaters.
- Small Size and Space Savings
Being super compact, a tankless hot water heater can take up quite less space than bulky traditional ones. Also, you can easily mount it on your home’s walls to free up your floor space and install it in small utility closets or tight spaces. This makes it an ideal choice for small apartments/homes.
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Have a look at some of the disadvantages of tankless water heaters below.
- Initial Cost and Installation Charges
The only thing that makes this tankless water heater a problem is generally its cost. You will find its unit cost and installation charges higher than traditional systems because of their additional modifications to the home’s gas/plumbing lines.
- Limited Output for Large Households
Since tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water, they can struggle to supply multiple fixtures simultaneously in large homes. So, the water flow will be affected if multiple showers/appliances are used at the same time.
- Annual Maintenance Needs
All tankless water heaters can get mineral accumulation which requires descaling. So, all tankless water heaters require regular maintenance, especially if you have hard water. This means you need professionals for annual maintenance to prevent unnecessary clogs.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
There are mainly two types of tankless water heaters namely, gas and electric.
Gas vs Electric Tankless Water Heaters
- Tankless Gas Water Heater
With a higher flow rate, these gas tankless water heaters are best suited for large households. They use propane/natural gas to heat water and require ventilation which can increase the total installation costs.
- Tankless Electric Water Heater
Best for small households/apartments, this tankless water heater electric is quite cheap and easy to install. Also, it doesn’t require any ventilation and is perfect for homes with limited hot water needs. However, this heater is not effective in colder climates due to lower flow rates.
Tankless Water Heater Cost Considerations
The full cost breakdown of a tankless water heater varies on certain things. You have to check its brand, type (gas or electric), and installation requirements.
In general, a traditional water heater costs anywhere between $550-$1,100. The cost of a tankless unit can vary largely between $1,000 and $3,000, including installation.
But don’t just go on this initial cost, the tankless heaters offer high energy savings leading to lower utility bills over time that supersede its upfront cost.
Choosing the Best Tankless Water Heater
When picking the best tankless water heater, you must consider your household’s hot water needs, home setup, installation space, and the full cost. You can even rely on a professional to assess your home’s needs and take his advice if you are confused between a gas or electric unit.
Installation and Maintenance of Tankless Water Heaters
The full installation of a tankless water heater is quite complex and requires professional help at every step. These professionals understand the right space for installation and ensure everything is done properly. They install proper electrical and plumbing equipment and make sure that your gas model gets proper ventilation.
You can call these professionals for regular maintenance to prevent mineral build-up and reduce any wear on its heating elements.
