Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

The introduction of tankless water heaters has been one of the biggest changes in the world of plumbing in recent times. For many years, having a water heater in a home meant having a large tank that held pre-heated water, ready to be dispensed. Tankless models have changed that approach, and now hot water can be produced on demand with a simple turn of the faucet handle.

 

But is a tankless water heater right for you? Like anything else, these pieces of equipment come with some pros and cons, so let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of tankless water heaters below. And, if you would like to work directly with our team on a water heater project or any other kind of plumbing need, simply reach out to Walker Air • Plumbing • Electric at your convenience.

 

The Pros of a Tankless Water Heater

In the interest of being positive, we are going to list of some of the pros associated with installing a tankless water heater. This isn’t necessarily an exhaustive list of pros and cons related to this type of water heater, but these are the big selling points for most buyers –

 

• The water doesn’t run out. This is the big point that compels many people to switch to a tankless water heater. Once the hot water starts flowing, it will continue to be supplied until you are ready to turn off the faucet or shower. Unlike a tank water heater, which has a limited supply before it will start to fade back to cold, a tankless model will just keep on going until you don’t need hot water any longer. For someone who enjoys a long, hot shower from time to time, this is a big advantage.
• Save space. Many hot water tanks live in garages, and they can take up a lot of space in that part of your home. If you’d rather have that space available for storage and other uses, switching to a tankless model is appealing. With a tankless heater, the unit is mounted on the wall and takes up minimal space.
• Cost savings. Over the long run, you are likely to save money on utility costs by using a tankless water heater. This is because the on-demand nature of a tankless heater means you aren’t heating up water that isn’t going to be used anytime soon. The tankless heater just sits there and waits to be called into duty, but it isn’t going to actively heat any water until you need it to do so. The tank water heater approach means you are always holding a reserve of hot water available, whether you plan to use it or not – and the energy used to heat up that water will have been wasted.
• Impressive life expectancy. Another way to save money through the use of a tankless water heater is by having it last longer than a traditional heater. Once installed, you should look forward to many years of reliable service from a tankless model, so the savings could add up year after year.

 

The Cons for Tankless Water Heaters

There is a lot to love about a tankless water heater, but nothing is perfect. To make sure you have a clear overall picture of what to expect, be sure to review the list of possible cons, as well –

 

• Upfront cost. We talked above about cost savings, but you will find that the upfront investment required to purchase a tankless water heater is greater than with a tank-style heater. You’ll need to consider this factor in the big picture to decide what is best for you.
• Temperature can fluctuate. Sometimes, when multiple faucets are asking for hot water at the same time, the temperature of the water supplied by a tankless heater will go up and down. This usually isn’t a big deal, but it’s worth noting.
• The waiting game. Perhaps the biggest con associated with a tankless heater is the wait between when you turn on the faucet and when the hot water is delivered. The unit starts creating hot water immediately, but you’ll need to wait for all the cold water to make its way through the line and out the faucet. While a bit of an inconvenience in some cases, you’ll soon get used to it and forget about it.

Tankless Water Heaters Dallas, TX

Whether you are replacing an old water heater or getting ready to have a water heater installed as part of a new construction project, picking the right model is important. We hope the discussion above has helped you to understand what tankless water heaters have to offer so you can decide if one is right for your needs. Thanks for visiting Walker Air • Plumbing • Electric and if you want to book an appointment you can today!