4 Biggest Myths About Tankless Water Heaters

While a great plumber can perform a wide array of water heater repairs, even the best equipment will eventually need to be replaced. When your unit has reached the end of its lifespan, you will have the option to install tankless water heaters or stick with a traditional model.

When you need a water heater in Charlotte, NC, take time to weigh your options. Unfortunately, there are some big myths and half-truths surrounding tankless water heater plumbing solutions that you may have to sort through.

As part of our mission to offer superior Charlotte water heater services, we want to bust some of these misconceptions. Below, we’ll address the 4 biggest myths about tankless water heaters.

At the end of this article, you will have all the facts needed to choose the perfect water heater installation option for your Charlotte home.

1. Tankless Water Heaters Will Scald You

While we are not quite sure where this myth got its start, we have heard several customers share this concern. Despite popular belief, tankless water heaters will not warm your water supply to unsafe temperatures.

Much like traditional units, tankless water heaters are equipped with adjustable thermostats. As an added safeguard, most models also include a preset temperature range. This prevents homeowners from causing unintended harm to themselves by ramping up the water temperature too high.

Tankless water heaters will warm your water to a few degrees above the set temperature. This is intentional because the water will cool slightly as it flows through your pipes. By the time it is dispensed from your faucet or showerhead, it should be pretty close to the desired temperature, if not a couple of degrees cooler.

A reputable water heater installation provider will only carry top-end models. This means that your system will be equipped with the latest safeguards to deliver the right water temperature every time.

Don’t let this myth discourage you from upgrading to a tankless water heater when your current unit is showing signs of failure.

2. They Can’t Keep Up with Water Demand

Once again, we are not certain where this myth originated. If we had to guess, it had something to do with a few customers having the wrong size of tankless water heater for their homes.
Often called instant hot water heaters, tankless units will provide a continuous stream of H2O. While they are not truly “instant”, tankless water heaters will not stop producing until the faucet is turned off.  They do take a minute or two to heat up when they are first activated. Once they get going, the temperature of the output water will remain within the set range throughout the usage cycle.

If a homeowner is experiencing a reduced flow rate with their tankless hot water heater, it means that the installation was likely improperly sized. Just like with traditional water heaters, tankless versions must be chosen based on demand. For instance, a family of 5 will need a more robust tankless water heater than a couple who has no children.

Consider this myth busted! Just make sure that you are upfront about your water usage habits when you’re getting a quote from an installer. This will help them find the perfect tankless water heater for your needs.

3. Tankless Water Heaters Are Too Costly

As with most other pieces of home equipment, you get what you pay for. While it is certainly true that a tankless water heater comes with a higher initial investment, the long-term operating costs are lower.

The average life expectancy of a traditional water heater is about 8 to 12 years. Some lower-end models will need to be replaced much sooner, around the 5 to 6-year mark.

For comparison, most tankless models last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. Even if your tankless water heater costs twice as much as a standard unit with the same output, it will have double the lifespan.

The longevity of tankless water heaters is not their only appeal. They also provide significant energy savings.

According to Energy.gov, families that use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day will experience a 34% increase in energy efficiency with tankless units. Even if your household uses a lot of hot water, a tankless unit will be more energy efficient.

4. Tankless Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free

It’s no secret that tankless water heaters are extremely efficient. However, some homeowners mistakenly believe that they are completely maintenance-free. While this may have started as a dishonest sales tactic, it can lead to some huge repair costs for unwitting consumers.

Many tankless water heaters have an easy-to-read digital display that lets you know when the systems are experiencing an error. This gives you the opportunity to be proactive and address any issues early before they cause a total failure.

With that being said, you should not wait until your tankless unit displays an error code to check up on it. Like tank storage units, these models need to be inspected by a plumbing professional once a year. Professionals will check on your unit, the filter, and all fittings to ensure that the entire system is working at peak levels.

Hot Water Heater Repair in Charlotte, NC

As you can see, tankless water heaters are a great option for many homeowners. Whether you need water heater repair or are ready to upgrade to a modern tankless unit, Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC, can help!

If you need help with your water heater in Charlotte, NC, you will not find a more responsive or professional plumber. Contact us today to learn more about our water heater repair and installation services. We can even provide you with a free quote!