Tankless water heaters are a great step towards creating a more energy efficient home. Traditional water heaters continuously heat and reheat water, while tankless water heaters generate warm water instantly using electric coils or high-powered gas burners. While it requires more power, they are still more energy efficient because energy is not lost in heating and reheating water repeatedly. It has been shown that tankless water heaters are 22% more energy heaters compared to traditional water heaters. Despite the obvious benefits, tankless water heaters may not be right for every home. So, before you invest in them, you must consider the pros and cons based on your individual needs.
Types of tankless water heaters
Whole house tankless water heaters: These are the best choice if you are planning to run multiple devices at one time. These water heaters are large enough to supply hot water for practically all applications in the house such as faucets and showers, dishwashers and washing machines. These models work well in smaller houses.
Point-of-use tankless water heaters: Unlike whole-house tankless water heaters, point-of-use water heaters are intended to provide steady hot water to just one faucet. You might install one in the kitchen for sink or in the bathroom. If you have a large home, it may be better to install multiple tankless water heaters.
Should you consider a tankless water heater?
Tankless water is a good solution when you:
- Want to reduce your energy bills in the long run
- Need extra hot water supply for a particular location or application
- Need backup hot water supply
- Need hot water supply for an application where existing supply does not reach
Benefits of a tankless water heaters
Energy savings and lower utility bills: As we said earlier, tankless water heaters help achieve energy efficiency. While a traditional water heater keeps the water at a constant temperature by heating and reheating it, a tankless water heater heats water only on demand. This translates into considerable energy savings and in turn, lower utility bills. Depending on your overall usage, you can save hundreds of dollars each year.
Endless hot water: Traditional water heaters are limited by their tank size. As long as you choose the right size, tank water heaters can provide virtually unlimited hot water. All you need to do is turn on the faucet, and within seconds you will get unlimited supply of hot water.
Durable and long lasting: Traditional water heaters have an average lifespan of about 8-10 years. By contrast, tankless water heaters have a lifespan of about 20 years. They are also easier to maintain and repair. You don’t have to worry about leaks and the related damage.
Saves space: Conventional water heater tanks tend to take up a lot of space in your homes. On the other hand, a tankless water heater unit is smaller. You may even choose a model that can be installed outside your home.
Limitations of tankless water heaters
Inconsistent water temperatures: A common complaint homeowners is that water temperatures are inconsistent. Also, if you have a single whole house water heater, the water from one faucet may turn cold when someone turns on a tap in another room. This problem can be eliminated with the use of multiple point-of-use water heaters.
High initial costs: Tankless water heaters are inherently more expensive compared to conventional water heaters. However, low energy costs and longer lifespan can offset the high initial costs.
If you are considering investing in a tankless water heater, it is best to consult a professional, who can evaluate your needs and recommend the right option for you. While tankless water heaters may offer enormous benefits, they may not be the best choice for your home considering your individual needs and other factors.
