All Aspects of Tankless Water Heater
A water heater is crucial for a comfortable living experience, especially in cold temperatures. The traditional tank storage water heaters have been in use for decades. The installation cost of these heaters is not so high but it can be a costly investment when it comes to utility bills.
A relatively new version of water heaters, tankless water heaters are another option for homeowners. The debate about its benefits and disadvantages is ever going.
Some homeowners can’t afford to install tank storage heaters due to high utility bills. Whereas others can’t survive with a tankless heater due to their hot water needs. A lot of homeowners choose tankless heaters to avoid searching for Best Water Heater Repair Company in Macon GA every other day.
Tankless water heaters have a Good number of benefits but not the perfect invention. Let us look at the benefits and disadvantages of tankless water heaters.
Advantages
1. Cost-Efficient Over Time
According to the US Department of Energy, if you are using gas-fueled tankless water heaters, you can save up to $100 annually.
Whereas the electric tankless water heaters can save up to $44. If you sum up the costs and savings over the usable years, the tankless water heater is a reliable cost-efficient appliance.
2. Energy Efficient
A traditional tank storage water heater has to maintain temperatures of a huge volume of water, even when you don’t need it at that time. This needs a whole of energy and you will leave a significant carbon footprint.
Tankless water heaters instantly heat the water required at the moment. According to Energy.gov tankless versions save up to 24%-34% of energy for households using 41 gallons or less hot water.
3. Durability
When you compare the useful life of both the versions, the tankless water heater wins the argument. A tankless water heater can last up to 20-30 years which is almost double the expected life of the tank storage heater.
It does not have thick metal sheets that can be corroded over time. If you live in an area supplied with hard water, the durability of every water heater is compromised.
4. Consume Less Space
Tankless water heaters can be perfect for smaller homes and bathrooms. They do not consume space required by a traditional water heater.
A tankless water heater is generally installed on the wall. It can be installed in tight quarters. If your house is terminally space-challenged, a tankless heater can be installed on the outside walls.
5. Quick Heating
Tankless water heaters are also known as instant heaters. If you have one at your home, you can enjoy hot water whenever you need it. It can deliver up to three gallons of hot water per minute.
Traditional water heaters take longer to heat as they have to heat larger volumes of water. In other words, a single unit provides a finite amount of hot water at a certain time. A tankless water heater can provide a continuous flow of hot water.
Disadvantages
1. Upfront Cost
The upfront cost of a tankless water heater is pretty high and may not be affordable for a lot of homeowners. The units are much more expensive.
The tank storage water heater costs up to $500-$800. You will have to pay around $2000-$4500 to purchase and install a tankless version.
2. Costly Replacements
A lot of homeowners consider water heater replacement during a home remodeling. If you have a traditional water heater, replacements can be pretty expensive. The existing wiring will be replaced.
Setting up a new unit can be a challenge. But if you compare the costs in the longer run, tankless versions are energy efficient.
3. Complex Installation Procedure
When a homeowner chooses to retrofit a tankless water heater, the plumber or installer will take a lot more time. They need expertise and professional-grade skill for correct installation.
Poor installation can affect the heating efficiency of the water heater. It can even reduce the expected lifespan. You should find a reliable water heater installer.
4. Output Challenges
If you need a lot of hot water daily, a tankless water heater may not be the right choice for you. You will face challenging output when you are using showers and laundry hoses simultaneously. The unit fails to supply hot water to every outlet as it can only heat up to three gallons of water per minute.
The Verdict
If you can manage the high initial cost of tankless water heater installation, it can save more money in the longer run. It is eco-friendly so you can take a hot water bath with peace of mind.
If you have a modest steady income, search “plumbing services near me” to install tank storage water heater. Discuss your hot water needs and budget limits with your plumbing expert to get the best advice.
Author Bio:
Lisa is a certified property manager based in Georgia. She writes informative blogs for remodeling, cleaning, water damage, homeowners since 2010. She believes in energy-efficient solutions for a sustainable development.