Tankless heaters are one of the newer tools for creating a more energy-efficient home. Unlike standard units, which continuously heat and reheat water so that it is always hot, tankless heaters generate water warm instantly with high-powered gas burners or electric coils.
Yes, this instant heating requires more power, but because the water does not have to be reheated again and again, like in a standard “tank” model, tankless systems use less energy overall.
You’re probably familiar with the typical water heating method, which uses a storage tank to retain hot water until you’re ready to use it. A tankless heater, on the other hand, is essentially the opposite. A lot of professionals including Jackson Water Heaters would recommend it because of its efficiency and is energy saving, it is still up for you to choose. So, here are things you should know about tankless heaters to decide if it’s right for your home.
Advantages
Tankless Water Are Space Savers
One of the signature features of a tank its size. The giant tank can hold a few dozen gallons of water at a time, taking up a sizable amount of room in your home.
However, a tankless heater is small and is usually mounted on a wall. It has a small number of pipes running out the side that will go into the wall and connect to the rest of your plumbing infrastructure.
Tankless Heaters Are More Energy Efficient
Through their structure and operation, tankless heaters end up being much more energy-efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, they can be between 8 and 34 percent more efficient than standard tank heaters. This efficiency not only reduces energy waste but can have a positive effect on your monthly energy bills.
Since tank heaters continuously need to have hot water ready, they tend to waste more energy just trying to maintain temperature, especially when the water isn’t used.
Have you ever turned on the faucet and waited for the hot water to arrive? That won’t be the case with a tankless heater, which heats water immediately. This reduces water waste and cuts down on the running water spent while waiting for the right temperature.
Tankless Heaters Have a Longer Life Expectancy
A reason to take the upfront investment of a tankless heater with a grain of salt is these units’ life expectancy. The U.S. DOE estimates that tankless units can last over 20 years, while storage units tend to last around 10 to 12 years. This is an obvious advantage to having this system, as heaters can be a significant investment in your home’s future. If you just bought a home and are thinking about the type of system to invest in, consider how long you plan to live in that home.
Disadvantages
Tankless Heaters Have a Limited Flow Rate
Since it has no reserve of water waiting to be used, it can only supply hot water at the rate at which it can heat the water. This varies by model and setup but can become a challenge when covering a large home or frequent usage.
If you use a lot of hot water to do laundry or wash dishes, it will take up a lot of bandwidth for your water. Plumbing experts suggest getting a system that matches your home’s needs. For some, this may be installing multiple tankless heaters.
Tankless warmers Have a Higher Upfront Cost
You’ll likely be paying more upfront for a tankless system than you would for a standard storage tank. The pricing also depends on the model and type of fuel you choose. But you should analyze on your own to see if the higher upfront cost outweighs the convenience and energy savings that come throughout the heater’s life.
You may be in a pinch and need to go with the cheapest option. If this is the case, try and take a step back and think about your options. Work with your local heater expert to see if they offer any kind of financing to help alleviate the upfront burden.