Any homeowner who’s had to replace their water heater has probably considered going tankless. Although tankless water heaters are more expensive up front, their cost and energy savings will add up over time. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, a tankless water heater can save up to $107 annually on energy bills and is up to 34% more efficient than a conventional water heater.
If you’re considering making the change to tankless, consider these pros and cons of tankless water heaters.
The Pros
Save Energy and Money: In the long run, there’s no doubt about it–tankless water heaters will save you money because they save energy. Compared to a tank water heater that uses electricity 24/7 to supply hot water on demand, tankless water heaters only fire up when needed.
More Bang for Your Buck: Compared to standard water heaters which need to be replaced after 10-15 years, tankless models can last from 20-25 years. Their longevity is due to the fact that they’re not always running and aren’t subjected to the stress of storing water.
Unlimited Hot Water: No more running out of hot water halfway through a shower. Because tankless water heaters supply hot water on demand, running out of hot water won’t be an issue.
Compact Size: Although space isn’t usually an issue here in Big Sky Country, tankless water heaters do take up less space. They can even be mounted on the wall to save space in your home.
The Cons
Although the list of cons is much shorter than the list of pros, there are still some disadvantages to tankless water heaters to consider.
Cost of Unit and Installation: Not only do tankless water heaters cost more than tank water heaters, but the installation can also be more costly as well. Trying to cut costs by installing one yourself isn’t a good idea because tankless water heaters are more complicated due to their advanced technology. This is why they’re also more expensive to purchase upfront.
If they aren’t installed properly, tankless water heaters will malfunction, potentially voiding your warranty. Installation can get especially tricky if modifications to pipes or gas and electricity connections are required. If you decide to go with tankless, don’t ruin your investment from the get-go by not having it professionally installed.
The Wait for Hot Water: After turning on the hot water tap, you’ll need to wait about 15 seconds before you’ll actually get hot water. Although this might not seem long, in the winter when you’re waiting for hot water to warm your hands and body, it might seem like forever. This lapse also contributes to water wastage.
Potential Plumbing Changes: Tankless water heaters may require modifications to your existing pipes and plumbing system.
If you require a new hot water heater, no matter which version you choose, you can put your complete trust in Ambient Air Solutions when you need water heater services of any kind.
For installation of tankless water heaters in Belgrade, MT, and surrounding areas, leave it to Ambient Air Solutions. Simplifying Heating & Cooling!
