Water heaters are an integral appliance for the modern household, giving you easy access to hot water through the various faucets, shower heads, and water-using appliances. However, as the water heater ages, it becomes less efficient and may start to show signs of failure.
This is an indication that you should start planning for a replacement, which is a great opportunity to make the switch from an old tank-style unit to a new tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are more efficient, have longer life spans, and provide on-demand hot water for improved user convenience.
Use this guide to find out more about tankless water heater pros and cons to make an informed decision about the best option for your home.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
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Tankless water heaters, as the name implies, do not have a storage tank where the water is gradually heated. Instead, they offer on-demand hot water achieved by running a cold water line into the body of the tankless water heater, where the water flows through an internal heating element to rapidly heat the water in a short amount of time. Since the water heater is only active when hot water is needed, this reduces strain on the system and improves energy efficiency.
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Types of Tankless Water Heaters
There are several types of tankless water heaters to choose from, which are differentiated by the method used to heat the water, the type of fuel, and whether the tankless water heater is intended for whole-home or point-of-use.
Electric tankless water heaters have an electric heating element inside the body of the water heater that rapidly heats water as it enters the unit. These tankless water heaters are generally less expensive upfront, but have higher operating costs than gas tankless water heaters.Gas tankless water heaters use propane or natural gas as a fuel to heat the water and offer both non-condensing and condensing options. Non-condensing tankless water heaters have a primary heat exchanger and use stainless steel flue pipes to vent the hot exhaust, while condensing tankless water heaters have a secondary heat exchanger that uses the heat from the exhaust to help heat the water and improve the efficiency of the system. Point-of-use tankless water heaters are intended for single-faucet use and can be installed at various points throughout the home for on-demand hot water, like the shower or kitchen faucet. These can be a good option for a small house or condo, though they are less appealing the larger the home.
Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater
Although tankless water heaters might feel like an upgrade all around, they have their pros and cons like every appliance. We made a list of these so you can decide if it’s really right for you.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
Most homes have a tank-style water heater, so when one fails, they simply switch it out for a new model of the same type, but there are many benefits to investing in a tankless water heater that could sway your decision.
High-efficiency operation is one of the most obvious benefits of a tankless water heater. Since these appliances don’t need to constantly heat a tank of water, they use less energy and cost less to operate.
On-demand heating helps to ensure that you never run out of hot water mid-shower, making tankless water heaters a great choice for busy homes with many people.
Space-saving designs make tankless water heaters beneficial for smaller homes that may not have the space required for a large tank-style appliance.
Superior durability and a longer lifespan set tankless water heaters apart from tank-style models. While a tank water heater lasts about five to 15 years, a tankless water heater lasts 15 to 20 years on average.
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
However, before investing in a tankless water heater for the home, it’s important to take into consideration the potential drawbacks of these appliances in order to make the best choice for your home.
Limited flow rates can set a hard limit on the number of faucets, showers, and water-using appliances that a tankless water heater can supply at once. Make sure to ask the installer for the appropriate flow rate for your home to avoid inadequate heating.
High purchase and installation costs can make it difficult for homeowners to make the switch to a tankless water heater, despite the lower operating costs. Plan to spend between $1,400 to $5,600 to purchase and install a tankless water heater.
Multiple units may be necessary for larger homes in order to provide hot water on-demand to the entire property. Alternatively, you can invest in a high-end tankless water heater with a very high flow rate for optimal water heating services.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
When you are deciding between a tank or tankless water heater, it’s important to consider the installation process to make the switch. Typically, a plumbing company will be able to remove an old tank-style water heater and install a new tankless model, but the complexity of the installation can be affected by the current gas or electrical system.
This is true of the difference between a non-condensing tankless water heater and a condensing tankless water heater. Non-condensing units are less expensive to purchase, but could end up being more expensive due to labor and material costs, and because a stainless-steel exhaust system is required for proper operation. Contrastingly, a condensing tankless water heater doesn’t require the same exhaust system to operate properly.
Make sure to research and weigh your options before deciding on the right water heater for your home.
Tankless Vs. Tank Water Heaters
Tank-style water heaters may be the more common choice for homeowners, but it’s a good idea to compare tankless and tank water heaters to see the contrasting differences between these two water heater types.
Tankless water heaters tend to take up significantly less space than a tank-style water heater, making them a good choice for smaller homes.
Tank-style water heaters cost less to purchase and install, especially when you are simply replacing one tank-style water heater for a similar model.
Tankless water heaters heat water as needed, instead of continually maintaining the heat level of an entire tank of water, improving energy efficiency for the home.
Tank-style water heaters are more suitable for large properties due to the vast amount of hot water they can store in the tank.
Tankless water heaters are not limited by a fixed tank size, allowing them to provide limitless hot water to the home without needing to refill and reheat an entire tank of water.
Tank-style water heaters may be available to rent on a monthly basis instead of purchase, making these appliances more affordable for low-income families.
Tankless Water Heater Costs
The main reason that more people don’t invest in a tankless water heater is the high cost associated with purchasing and installing the system. On average, it costs about $1,400 to $5,600, which is about two or three times the cost of purchasing and installing a tank-style water heater.
While the operating costs for a tankless water heater are lower, allowing you to save on energy bills in the long run, many people focus on the high upfront costs, which can be intimidating for a homeowner with a small home maintenance budget. Though, it should also be kept in mind that tankless water heaters tend to last longer than tank-style water heaters, so you won’t need to purchase a new unit for two decades on average.
FAQ
The most common issue you will run into with a tankless water heater is mineral buildup or scaling that is caused by hard water and minerals, like calcium and magnesium. The mineral buildup can reduce the efficiency of the water heater and may contribute to internal damage over time.
In most cases, it is worth making the switch to a tankless water heater because these appliances last about five to 10 years longer than tank-style water heaters and have a higher operating efficiency that helps reduce the cost of household energy bills.
A 40-gallon tank-style water heater can be replaced with a tankless water heater. Just ensure that the home has the necessary gas or electrical system installed and that you select a tankless water heater with an appropriate output based on the size of the house and the number of people living there.
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