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The Pros And Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters

The Pros And Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters

Are you looking for a new water heater for your home? If you have done any research, you know that there are two main types of water heaters offered for residential use. But the one that is getting all of the attention right now is the tankless water heater. As the name implies, it does not have a holding tank like a traditional water heater. But that is not the only difference between the two.

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

Tankless water heaters are also referred to as on-demand water heaters because that is the way that they function. Unlike a traditional water heater, the tankless version does not maintain a holding tank full of hot water. Instead, the tankless water heater only heats water when there is a demand for it. So until you turn on a faucet or shower, the tankless water heater does nothing. However, when you demand hot water, the unit flies into action and heats the water as it flows through the pipes toward your shower, tub, or sink.

The Benefits Of A Tankless Water Heater

Because of the way that a tankless water heater functions, it is a far more energy-efficient method for supplying hot water to your home. Experts estimate that tankless water heaters use about a third less energy while still providing you with all the hot water that you need. The savings come from not wasting energy to keep a holding tank of water hot 24/7.

And because the water is heated as it flows through the water pipes in your home, the supply is virtually endless. As long as there is water flowing, the tankless water heater will continue to heat it. This is a favorite feature of many homeowners who value a long hot shower.

The life span of tankless water heaters also has the traditional model beat, hands down. On average, tankless units last at least twice as long as their conventional counterparts. There is no worry of rust or corrosion damage with no holding tank, which is the primary nemesis of traditional water heaters. And that takes us to another significant benefit of tankless water heaters. With no holding tank to rust and leak, there is significantly less potential for a costly flood in your home. And finally, the compact size of tankless units makes them great for installation in tight spaces. 

Are There Any Cons?

By now, you might think that there cannot possibly be a downside to installing a tankless water heater in your home. And while they are not huge drawbacks, there can be a few bumps in the road. The first issue to consider is your existing plumbing. If you have a traditional water heater, chances are good that you will need to have some new hot water lines installed to accommodate the tankless water heater. So the installation is not as simple as removing the traditional unit and installing the tankless model in its place.

The other variable for many homeowners is the price of the tankless water heater. In general, they can cost around twice as much as a traditional unit. Of course, the tankless unit’s size will have a great deal to do with the cost. But as a rule, look for the tankless models to be more expensive. But remember, they do offer an opportunity to recover some of the larger purchase price in the form of savings on your monthly utility bills.