Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Have you been considering making the switch from a traditional water heater to a tankless water heater, but don’t know where to start? Luckily, at Blanco AC, Electrical and Plumbing we are experts on all things plumbing! The amount of information available can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons so that you can make the most informed decision possible for your home. Check out the points below to learn more about tankless water heater installation.

Pros of Tankless Heaters

Efficiency

Tankless water heaters are much more cost-efficient than traditional water heaters. They work by instantly heating your water to a predetermined temperature as soon as you turn on your hot water faucet. This is a far cry from traditional heaters that constantly heat “standby” water even when it’s not in use, raising energy usage. These instant hot water heaters hold a much smaller amount of water and only heat that water as it’s being used, potentially saving you money in the long run.

Space

Usually when you think of a water heater, you imagine a big bulky tank, right? Well, with tankless water heaters, that is far from the case. These smaller units can be installed in many places that traditional water heaters can’t and are usually mounted on outside walls or in the basement. Their compact size can be a welcome change, especially in smaller homes and apartments.

Lifespan

One amazing benefit of tankless units is their lifespan. Tankless water heaters will typically last twice as long as traditional storage units or even longer! Tankless heaters will still require yearly maintenance but because of their longevity, most units come with a lifetime warranty. If you plan on living in your home for a longer period of time, a tankless unit might be right for you.

Water Quality

When water sits in a tank waiting to be heated, as it does in a traditional water heater, bacteria growth is always a possibility. As mentioned above, tankless heater units work by instantly heating your water as soon as you turn on your hot faucet. This means no “standby” water, which can be healthier for your family.

Cons of Tankless Heaters

Up-Front Cost

Due to their long lifespan and additional required installation equipment, tankless water heaters can be more expensive initially. Tankless water heater installation may also include a water softener tank , which is a separate unit that protects your heater from hard water buildup. While tankless water heaters will cost more upfront, the resulting annual savings may make it worth your while.

Limited Water Supply

Because tankless units heat water on demand, they only allow for a limited amount of hot water to be used at one time. This means it’s often not ideal for two people to take a shower at the same time or for multiple outlets to use hot water at once. Make sure to keep this in mind when making your decision if you have a larger household using hot water.

Contact Blanco AC, Electrical and Plumbing

As you can see, there are several things to consider when deciding between keeping your traditional water heater or making the change to a tankless unit. The improved water quality, longer lifespan, energy savings and additional space from a tankless option can be great advantages. However, depending on your household needs, there can be certain drawbacks to no longer using a traditional water heater. If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your installation, Blanco AC, Electrical and Plumbing has got you covered.

Call us today to get started!