Most homes have a traditional water heater installed when built, but these massive tank units don’t last forever. If it is time to replace your water heater, a tankless water heater can be a very tempting option. There are many benefits to consider for switching to a tankless water heater, but also a few logistic matters to review before making your decision.
So, is a tankless water heater the right option for you? We at DC Family Plumbing have put together this list of pros and cons for tankless water heaters. We are ready to help you choose the right water heater for your replacement
Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
Nobody likes running out of hot water at the most inconvenient time. A tankless water heater heats your water on the go at an average of 5-15 gallons a minute. So, even if you take a long shower or need to wash a ton of dishes, you never run out of hot water and have to make do with the cold. Installing a tankless water heater has plenty of benefits beyond unlimited hot water, including:
- Energy Efficiency: A traditional water heater fills the tank, then heats the water, so it is hot and ready for the first hot tap. When the water in the tank cools, it heats it again. A tankless water heater only heats your water once as it flows through, which can save you bundles on the electric bill over time and help make your home more energy-efficient.
- Longer Lifespan: Tankless water heaters last longer than traditional water heaters because they only run when your taps ask for hot water. That means less wear and tear on the elements and pipes over time.
- Potential Cost Savings: Tankless water heaters are often more affordable per unit, need to be replaced less often, and cost less in monthly power bills.
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
What are the disadvantages of choosing a tankless water heater? We know it is important to have the whole story before you make a decision. Unlike a traditional water heater, tankless water heaters require annual maintenance for cleaning and servicing. Some of the other downsides to a tankless water heater include the following:
- A New Installation Plan: Tankless water heaters are very different from your traditional water heater so you will need an all-new installation plan and the help of a professional plumbing team.
- Seasonal Adaptivity: Tankless water heaters may take a few extra seconds to warm up your water during the middle of winter when water is the coldest coming into the heater.
- Water Heater Myths: Tankless water heaters are not magic and sometimes don’t measure up to the myth. For example, your hot water will arrive at the tap at the same speed unless you place your tankless water heater closer to the tap, so there is less distance for the hot water to travel.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are not a one-size-fits-all type of appliance. Instead, it is important to consider how much hot water your household will need and whether you plan to run hot water appliances simultaneously. Your plumber can help you choose the right tankless water heater size for your household or place more than one for greater hot water accessibility.
Installation and Maintenance
Tankless water heaters are more advanced than the original design and require support from your local plumber. You will need to rebuild your water heater utility space for installation and maintain annual maintenance to get the best performance from your tankless water heater for the next decade of reliable hot water.
Tankless water heaters also benefit from an in-line water softener to keep the hard water scale from blocking the works.
How to Choose a Tankless Water Heater Plumber You Can Trust
DC Family Plumbing is dedicated to helping every local family achieve the hot water and plumbing performance needed by each household. As a local business, our technicians can help you find the right tankless water heater unit, choose the perfect place to install it and ensure your home is supplied with efficient on-demand hot water for years to come.
To learn more about tankless water heaters or schedule a tankless water heater installation for your home, contact us today.
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