Weighing the Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters have increased in popularity due to their continuous hot water supply and energy efficiency.

Tankless water heaters have increased in popularity due to their continuous hot water supply and energy efficiency. While there are several advantages to choosing a tankless water heater, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks. By understanding the pros and cons, homeowners can determine if a tankless water heater is right for their home. 

Pros of tankless water heaters

Energy efficiency and cost savings

Tankless water heaters only heat water as needed, making them highly energy-efficient. This process eliminates the need to constantly heat and store large amounts of water, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. Eventually, the energy savings can offset the higher upfront cost of tankless water heaters.

Continuous supply of hot water

Unlike traditional water heaters with a limited tank size, tankless water heaters provide a continuous hot water supply. They can simultaneously meet the demands of multiple fixtures or appliances, ensuring the hot water never runs out, particularly benefiting larger households or homes with high hot water usage.

Space-saving design

Tankless water heaters' compact design allows them to fit into more spaces within the home or even be mounted on the wall, which is especially ideal for smaller homes. The compact size opens up more possibilities for installation locations, such as under sinks or in closets, allowing for greater flexibility in design and space utilization.

Increased lifespan

Tankless water heaters generally last longer compared to traditional water heaters. With proper maintenance and care, tankless units can last up to 20 years or more, which is significantly longer than the average lifespan of a traditional water heater, around 10-15 years. The extended longevity of tankless water heaters can result in long-term cost savings and reduce the need for frequent replacements.

Reduced water damage risk

Traditional water heaters are more susceptible to leaks and bursts, which can lead to significant water damage. Tankless water heaters eliminate this risk since there is no stored water. With no tank to leak or burst, the risk of water damage is significantly reduced, providing greater peace of mind and potentially saving on costly repairs.

Cons of tankless water heaters

Higher upfront cost

A prime disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost compared to traditional units. Due to their advanced technology and complexity, tankless units cost more to purchase and install. However, the extended lifespan and long-term energy savings eventually offset this initial investment.

Limited flow rate

Some tankless water heaters have a limited flow rate, so they may struggle to supply hot water simultaneously to multiple fixtures or appliances. The capacity of the unit determines the maximum flow rate it can provide. Choosing a model that can meet the household's hot water demands is imperative, especially during peak usage times.

Dependence on proper sizing

Choosing the right-size tankless water heater is crucial for optimal performance. It's essential to choose a unit that matches the household's hot water demand. An undersized unit may struggle to deliver hot water consistently, while an oversized unit may result in wasted energy. Consulting a professional plumber helps ensure the proper sizing of the tankless water heater.

Activation delay

Tankless water heaters can experience a slight delay in producing hot water because the unit needs a brief moment to heat the water before it reaches the faucet or shower. While the delay is usually minimal, adjusting from systems that provide instant hot water may take some time. However, the continuous supply of hot water provided by tankless units typically outweighs this inconvenience.

When considering the advantages and disadvantages of tankless water heaters, it's important to consider the household's specific needs, budget, and long-term goals. While tankless water heaters offer energy efficiency, continuous hot water supply, space-saving, and a longer lifespan, they also come with a higher upfront cost, limited flow rate, dependence on proper sizing, and a slight activation delay. Considering these factors and consulting with a professional plumber can help homeowners decide and select the best water heating solution for their homes.

If you need a licensed, bonded, insured plumber for your Phoenix area leak or your next plumbing project, call MNS Plumbing today at 602-362-4524.