The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
You are in the shower, with soapy suds in your hair, when the temperature of the stream of water begins to become slightly tepid. You hurry to finish your shower, but then the water turns frigid and your shower is no longer enjoyable. Are you fed up with the startling surprise of icy water when you expect it to be hot? A way to save both money and energy is to install a tankless water heater so that you can circumvent the issue.
Considering purchasing a propane tankless water heater may cause someone to be flustered due to the large number of options. In this piece, I am presenting an inclusive breakdown of the advantages and drawbacks of tankless water heaters so that you are able to make the right choice based on your individual circumstances.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters give you hot water instantly, which makes them more economical than standard storage tank water heaters. The tankless unit utilizes either gas or electric energy to heat up cold water, generating a continuous supply of hot water that persists until the water source is turned off. Due to this, these water heaters also go by the names of “instantaneous” or “demand-type”.
Pros
Energy Efficient
The U.S. According to the Department of Energy, a tankless water heater is more efficient compared to a storage tank water heater, ranging from 24% to 34%, provided that you utilize roughly 41 gallons of water each day. Despite doubling the amount, they are still 8% to 14% more efficient. It is possible to reduce your energy consumption by up to 50% if you install a tankless water heater at each place where hot water is needed. This is a much better option than a storage-tank water heater.
Saves Money
Since you’re using less energy, you’re also saving money. If energy costs are particularly elevated in the region you live, a tankless water heater will be cost-effective in a couple of years.
Saves Space
Tankless water heaters are advantageous because they are small in size, making them a great option when you don’t have much space in your home or you are trying to maximize the area you have.
Hot Water Supply
Tankless water heaters produce hot water whenever it is asked for without any time limit, as long as the faucet is kept turned on. In theory, a tankless water heater is able to provide you with an unlimited quantity of hot water so that you could take a shower for as long as you wish without any interruption or a sudden drop in temperature.
Lower Risk of Leaks and Water Damage
A potential issue with tank-style heaters is mineral sediment from hard water accumulating within the tank, leading to rust and eventually causing it to seep.
Tankless water heaters have no chance of causing flood or leaks since they don’t have a holding tank.
Tankless water heaters are not completely exempt from problems. The potential for small leaks exists, however, it is not likely that a large leak that would flood your basement and cause serious harm will occur.
Zero Risk of Tank Exploding
Today’s plumbing rules dictate that all tank-type water heaters must be equipped with a temperature and pressure release valve which is designed to release pressure and prevent the tank from detonating.
Eventually, deposits from the liquid can obstruct the valve and stop it from operating correctly.
When this situation arises, an unsafe level of stress can accumulate and put you in peril. It is suggested by specialists that individuals who own tank-style water heaters should check the valve at least yearly.
Although it is not common, tank-style water heaters may be prone to potentially dangerous explosions. There is no chance of an explosion happening due to the lack of a tank in tankless heaters. One less thing to stress out over.
Lower Risk of Burns and Exposure to Toxic Metals
Some specialists claim that tankless water heaters are more secure than tank-style heaters.
Other than the absence of a tank that could detonate, they also give enhanced accuracy with regards to temperature regulation so the risk of getting scalded from hot water is lower.
In addition, as previously stated, tank-style heaters have a tendency to deteriorate over time because of the effects of hard water on the internal wall of the tank leading to corrosion and rust.
The minerals and particles present in the environment eventually travel into the pipes of your home’s water system, thus making your family vulnerable to dangerous chemicals.
Tankless water heaters do not have a tank that deteriorates with time, which means the water delivered to your home is cleaner and milder to your skin.
Life Expectancy of Over 20 Years
The lifespan of tank-type water heaters is generally between 8 and 12 years, yet on the other hand tankless water heaters can remain functional for more than two decades.
If you are settled in your final residence or you plan to stay where you are for a considerable amount of time, investing in a tankless water heater will ensure that you don’t require a replacement for a long period of time.
Cons
Limited Hot Water for Multiple Outlets
There is a limit to the amount of water a tankless water heater can heat up simultaneously. If you require more hot water than what the unit can produce–including simultaneous use of a dishwasher, washing machine, and shower–the heat of the water will change because the heater is trying to meet the needs of all three. This problem can be solved by putting in multiple units or reducing the temperature of the hot water.
Power Outage
If the electricity shuts off, your hot water will not be available since tankless water heaters, including gas models, need electricity to operate and control. If you reside in an area where power cuts are a common occurrence, getting a tankless water heater might not be a wise decision.
Costs More Upfront
The cost of a tankless water heater could be enough to cause people to hesitate before buying.
The most significant disadvantage of tankless water heaters is the expensive price tag of both the unit and the installation.
HomeAdvisor reports the expense of putting in a 40-50 gallon tank-style water heater to be around $1,000 on average. The median price for a tankless water heater, with set-up, is $2,500.
I reached out to plumbing companies close by, and they said the costs for tank-style models are closer to $1,700 and tankless models range from $3,000 to $5,000, although the actual amounts may differ depending on the region. No matter your location, tankless units will cost considerably more than other models.
Tankless water heaters are more pricey mainly because of the elevated installation charges. In many cases, extra cabling has to be added to manage the heightened demand and/or a new exhaust pipe must be put in.
Given that tank-style heaters have been in use for an extended period of time and are more prevalent, there are many more professionals who are able to install them, thus lowering the labor charges.
Moreover, water with abundant minerals (known as hard water) can cause tankless water heaters to need to exert more effort, which can lead to malfunction.
For the safety of your equipment, some companies make it necessary that you get a water softening system installed – if not, then any warranty is no longer valid. Installing this additional component adds to the overall cost.
Unit Cost
A tankless water heater requires higher initial expenses for both the item and installment compared to a traditional water heater with a storage tank. Although the cost may be a concern to you initially, remember that a tankless water heater has a longer use and is more energy efficient, so it will be worth the money spent in a relatively short time period.
The cost of a tankless water heater usually ranges from $500 to $1,500, with natural gas or propane models usually being slightly more expensive (about $1,000 to $1,500) than electric models.
Maintenance
It is not enough to install tankless water heaters and forget about them; you have to take care of them in order to make sure they run efficiently. Eventually, deposits from hard water can form in the system.
Rheem, a major tankless water heater maker, recommends unscrewing and washing the water filter every 30 days.
Additionally, you’ll need a professional to perform annual maintenance. On the service call, they will clear out and free the system from sediment buildup.
This service isn’t optional. Delaying taking care of it will result in a buildup of minerals, leading to a decrease in the system’s efficiency and a decrease in the rate of flow. In other words, you won’t get a rapid flow of water from your taps and shower heads.
If you don’t take the time to drain the pipes regularly, it can cause the heat exchanger to become clogged, resulting in damage to the water heater. Also, skipping annual maintenance will void most warranties.
Take Longer to Deliver Hot Water
Tankless water heaters can have a longer time frame in providing and producing hot water when contrasted with tank-style heaters.
Keep in mind that tankless water heaters do not hold a supply of heated water ready for usage directly when you require it.
When you switch on a tap to get hot water, the water inside the pipes will either be chilled or, at maximum, just the normal temperature in the room.
Once the cold water has been emptied out, hot water will flow through, but the duration of time it takes for the water to get to the tap may vary from a few seconds to a minute, depending on how far the heater is from the faucet.
Tank-style heaters don’t instantly generate hot water, but since they keep a reserve ready to be utilized, it gets to the end point more rapidly.
Cold Water Sandwich
Investigating tankless water heaters may have led you to hear the phrase “cold water sandwich.”
A cold water sandwich refers to the phenomenon when there is an alternation between hot and cold water when turning on the tap, causing a quick succession of hot, cold and hot water.
When you operate the hot water valve swiftly, as if you were washing dishes by hand, the piping still has warmth from not long ago.
There is a slight wait between when the tap is switched on and the hot water begins to flow, resulting in a quick spurt of cold water before it become heated.
The cold water sandwich taste is not a big problem, but if you are not accustomed to it, it can startle you.
Inconsistent Water Temperature When Multiple Taps/Showers/Appliances Are in Use
The advantage of having tankless water heaters in this situation is that your whole family can take baths one after the other without being concerned about not having enough hot water.
The disadvantage is that tankless water heaters can’t handle having more than one shower working simultaneously.
It is not restricted to showers; if your hot water tank is not sufficiently voluminous, you could be in a quandary while operating both your shower and dishwasher concurrently.
When you are buying tankless water heaters, the key fact to take note of is the flow rate.
The capacity of a tankless unit to heat water at a particular moment is known as the flow rate. The flow rate is expressed in Gallons Per Minute (GPM), with a higher GPM meaning more water can be warmed simultaneously.
Installation
Roughly $1,000 to $1,500 is the price to get a gas system installed, whereas the cost for an electric model could be between $800 and $1,500. Based on the complexity of the job, you should be prepared to pay a professional plumber somewhere between $45 and $150 per hour. Be aware that several varieties of tankless water heaters can be entitled to a 10% federal tax deduction, which may reduce the cost.
A specialist should always be the one to put in a tankless water heater. If you decide to switch to a different storage tank system, chances are your home needs to be modified to fit the new system. In many places, regulations must be followed and paperwork must be obtained prior to setting up your new heater. Engaging the services of an expert will not just guarantee that your heater is put in accurately – it will also guarantee that the model you choose will fit properly into your residence and area.
Maintenance and Care
At least once annually, maintenance must be performed on tankless water heaters. Over time, deposits of minerals accumulate inside the water heater, which means the whole system must be purged in order to protect against damage or a decline in performance. If you are a resident of an area with hard water, it is recommended that you flush out your water lines at least twice each year. It is important to stick to a maintenance plan for your model in order to keep it operating properly, especially since most warranties will not cover any harm resulting from mineral deposits.
Other regular upkeep and care activities include cleaning the air purifier and the water filtration system. Refer to your manual to see how often you need to clean these filters, because it varies depending on the type. It is generally recommended that a thorough cleaning is conducted every four to six months. Clean the outside of your tankless water heater regularly in order to stop the formation of dirt, and use the time to look for any leakage or damage like rust.
Shutting off the power to your machine and consulting a professional plumber should be done straight away if there are serious problems or any cause for concern. All of these maintenance activities can be done by yourself, however.
Lifespan
Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or longer. A storage water heater will only last between eight and fifteen years, which is much less compared to this. If you have the aim of living in the same home for a prolonged period of time, investing in a tankless water heater will spare you from having to continually buy a new heater—an absolutely certain method of saving money.
Bottom Line
If you’re attempting to cut costs in the long run, upgrade the energy efficiency of your house, and don’t mind sacrificing an initial pricey outlay, then a tankless water heater can provide everything you require and beyond. This is an outstanding long-term investment for your house that will make you question why you held off on the switch for so long.
