Benefits and Drawbacks of Tankless Water Heaters
You rely on your water heater to provide warm or hot water as needed, but they don't last forever. If you are currently looking to get a new water heater, it might be time to consider a tankless one. This type of water heater is able to heat up the water pipes with electric or gas power, instead of using a storage tank with hot water. Take a look at the benefits and drawbacks before deciding if a tankless water heater is right for you.
Tankless Water Heaters Are Eco-Friendly
This is one of the top reasons people will choose to get a tankless water heater. Water heaters with storage tanks have water in the tank that is already being warmed up, which uses considerably more energy throughout the day. With a tankless water heater, the water is only heated up when you turn on a faucet to warm or hot, so it is only being used when the hot water is needed. This does end up reducing your overall amount of energy use.
The Initial Investment Is Higher
While the actual cost of the water heater depends on the make and model, you might end up paying a little more upfront for a tankless water heater than a traditional one with a storage tank. However, this doesn't mean you won't end up saving more money in the long run. Consider the long-term costs and savings thanks to the energy efficiency, instead of just how much it costs to buy and have installed.
Tankless Water Heaters Are Smaller in Size
One of the benefits of tankless water heaters that is definitely worth mentioning is the fact that it takes up considerably less space. This is because, unlike a regular water heater, it doesn't have a large tank of hot water attached to it. Instead, cold water goes through the pipes, which are heated up by the gas or electrical element. Therefore, tankless models are perfect if you have a compact space in your home, or if you want to remodel your garage without having a big, clunky water heater in the way.
You Need Certain Requirements for Hook-Up
A tankless water heater may go in the same location as the one you are replacing, but some of them need special hook-ups. If you get a gas water heater, you will need a way to vent it if you don't have that already. Electric tankless units need a circuit breaker, as well as the right amperage and voltage, so they do require professional installation.
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