Many homeowners and businesses are switching to a tankless water heater. Of course with every decision, you must weigh out the pros and cons to know what is best for your home or business. If you’re trying to do your homework first, Orsack Plumbing Company will cover all the pros as well as the cons of a tankless water heater.
Pros of a Tankless Water Heater
Let’s begin with the financial benefits and savings. Most tankless units come with a $300 federal tax rebate. They are more energy efficient than hot water tanks. Tankless water heaters can save up to 20% on your energy bills. They only use the needed power to the amount of water being used at the time, instead of refilling your tank then reheating the water each time hot water is used. Not to mention the energy it costs to keep the water in the tank hot. Another perk of having a tankless system is that you will never run out of hot water since as you use water it heats it up and you use it. Calcium will eventually break down hot water tanks, whereas water doesn’t actually sit inside tankless units. Therefore, they will last up to 5 to 10 years longer then traditional water heaters! You also have more space with a tankless water heater. They are much smaller thereby giving you many options as to where to put it. Many people will have them installed in closets, under sinks, or in cabinets, keeping them out of view. Some will also install them outside of their houses since they come with anti-freeze kits. Others like the tankless water heaters because their electrical models don’t produce any greenhouse gases, making them friendly to the environment. With a tankless unit, you never have to worry about flooding, where tanks can rupture over time. The final perk many have found is that the tankless water heater can also be run by remote with four settings available so you can control how hot each setting is.
Cons to a Tankless Water Heater
With every product there are drawbacks as well. To start a tankless water heater cost more than a tank water heater. All of the hot water used is split throughout the entire home. This can make it difficult for the heater to heat enough water when multiple fixtures and appliances are in use. You may need to also install a larger gas line for the tankless hot water heater. Along with larger fuel lines you will also need expensive steel tubing for the lines. If you use gas power, tankless heaters do produce greenhouse gas unless you use an electric tankless heater. If you use an electrical heater, you may need additional circuits installed. If you use gas tankless water heaters, you will also need annual services and maintenance to prevent failure of the water heater. Homes will require at least a minimum power rate flow of .5 GPM in order to activate the heat exchanger. If your home doesn’t have the necessary power requirement, you will need to upgrade your current power supply. The last drawback is water waste. There is a lag time for the heater to warm the water, meaning you will have to run it for a few seconds before the hot water gets to you.
Tankless Water Heater Installation, Replacement & Other Plumbing Services in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas
So every homeowner must consider all aspects of having a tankless hot water heater. There are many pros that will make it a worthwhile investment. For more advice or for help installing a tankless water heater, Orsack Plumbing Company can supply that service. Call us today for your new tankless water heater or for any of your plumbing needs.