Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater is a good option for an energy-efficient home. Rather than constantly heating water like a traditional water heater, the tankless only creates hot water on demand using electric coils or gas burners. While instant heating takes more power, it doesn’t require reheating so less energy is used overall.

If you’ve been considering a switch to a tankless water heater, you should be aware of the pros and cons before you make your final decision.

Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

One of the main benefits of a tankless water heater is that you get instant hot water. After flushing cold water from the pipes, a stream of hot water is available nearly endlessly. It provides the hot water you need without the use of a huge tank.

Tankless water heaters also last longer than standard water heaters. An average tankless heater will last around two decades instead of the 10 years associated with standard water heaters.

Lower monthly utility costs are often associated with tankless water heaters. According to Consumer Reports, these heaters are 22% more efficient than traditional water heaters. While this is a small bit of savings, it adds up over time

Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

A con of tankless water heaters is that some offer inconsistent temperatures. This typically occurs when several appliances or fixtures are used at the same time. There may not be enough hot water for all of these applications.

Tankless water heaters tend to be more expensive than the traditional models. Where a typical water heater might be only $500, a tankless with the same abilities will cost about double that. It can also be more expensive to install them depending on the model.

A steady stream of hot water is available with tankless water heaters, but it isn’t endless. This can be a problem if two people use the water at the same time. Most tankless heaters cannot keep up with that kind of demand. Standard water heaters store larger amounts and run out of hot water less quickly.

Are you ready to have a tankless water heater installed? A professional plumber from Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing can help with the process. They’ll assist you in choosing the right one, installing it in your home, and making sure it works the way it should. Reach out today to learn more about the process and your options.