Are you interested in switching to a tankless water heater, but you are unsure if it’s right for you? Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their ability to provide hot water on demand and their potential for energy savings. But is a tankless water heater the right choice for your home? In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of switching to a tankless water heater so that you can make an informed decision.
At Acme Plumbing, our team of experienced plumbers can help you make sure that switching to a tankless system is right for your home. We have been helping customers with their plumbing needs for over 60 years, and we’re committed to providing quality service at an affordable price.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is a type of water heater that heats on demand rather than storing hot water in a tank. Since there is no need to store heated water, it is much more efficient than traditional storage tanks and can provide an endless supply of hot water. Tankless heaters also have the added benefit of taking up less space, as they are much smaller than traditional water heaters.
There are two main types of tankless water heaters: gas-powered and electric. Gas-powered tankless heaters require no electricity to run but can be more expensive to install, while electric tankless heaters typically have lower installation costs. Both types of heaters can provide an efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home’s water.
Now, we’ll examine both the pros and cons of switching to a tankless water heater so that you can make an informed decision.
The Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heaters offer several advantages over traditional storage tank water heaters, including:
Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters are much more energy efficient than conventional storage tank models, as they only heat the water when it is needed rather than constantly reheat and store hot water in a tank. This helps you save money on your energy bill.
On-Demand Hot Water
Unlike a storage-tank water heater, which heats and stores hot water for later use, a tankless water heater heats the water as needed. Tankless water heaters are capable of providing hot water on demand, so you don’t have to rely on a storage tank that is located far away from your point of use. This means you get an endless supply of hot water when you need it.
Longer Lifespan
With proper maintenance, a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years, compared to 10-15 years for a storage-tank water heater. You can see that the lifespan of a tankless water heater is almost double that of a traditional tank water heater.
More Space For Living
A tankless water heater takes up much less space than a storage tank water heater, freeing up valuable floor or wall space in your home.
You May Save Money on Incentives And Rebates
Because tankless water heaters are better for the environment than tank water heaters, many utility companies and state governments offer incentives and rebates for switching to a tankless water heater. In Canada’s British Columbia, the installation of a condensing tankless water heater makes you eligible for rebates from FortisBC, BC Hydro, and CleanBC of up to $1000.
Limitless Hot Water Supply
If you have a large family or one that often needs lots of hot water, a tankless water heater can fit the bill. Since there is no storage tank to limit the amount of hot water available, you can get as much hot water as you need.
Easy to Maintain
Tankless water heaters are much easier to maintain than tank water heaters, as there are fewer parts that need to be cleaned or serviced. In fact, according to experts, a tankless water heater only needs to be serviced every 2 to 3 years.
Eco-Friendly
As mentioned earlier, tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than their traditional counterparts, as they don’t need to constantly reheat and store hot water. This helps you save money on your energy bill while also reducing your carbon footprint.
The Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
While there are many advantages to switching to a tankless water heater, there are some drawbacks as well. These include:
High Initial Cost
Tankless water heaters can be expensive upfront due to the cost of the unit and installation. As a result, before making the switch, it is important to consider the long-term cost savings and how they compare to the initial investment.
Low Flow Rate
Although a low flow rate means you’ll spend less on hot water, it also means that you won’t be able to use multiple hot water sources simultaneously. This can be inconvenient if you’re using more than one appliance that requires hot water (such as a washer and dishwasher). You should talk to a professional plumber to ensure your tankless water heater can handle the hot water load of your home.
May Take Longer to Deliver Hot Water
Since tankless water heaters do not store hot water, it may take longer for them to heat the water than a traditional storage tank. It takes a bit of time for the heater to heat the water, so it’s important to know that if you’re using a tankless system you may have to wait for hot water.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right For You?
In conclusion, switching to a tankless water heater has its pros and cons. It can provide energy savings and hot water on demand, but there is an upfront cost associated with installation and maintenance. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision, as what may be a great fit for one home may not be suitable for another.
It’s important to consult with an experienced plumbing professional who can go over all of your options and provide advice on which type of water heater is best for your needs. That way, you can make an informed decision and get the best possible value for your money.
Contact Acme Plumbing Today For All Your Tankless Water Heater Needs
At Acme Plumbing, our experienced team of plumbing professionals can help you evaluate the pros and cons of switching to a tankless system and make sure that it is right for your home. We have years of experience installing and servicing tankless water heaters, so we can always provide expert advice and quality service. Get in touch with us today at (919) 688-1348 to schedule an appointment and get started on the path to energy efficiency and hot water on demand.
