Water heating costs typically make up 14% of a home’s overall expenses, according to the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. This makes it the third-highest expense in most homes. So, people are looking for ways to reduce that expense.
Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand systems, have become widely popular for their energy-saving water heating technology.
Using an on-demand or tankless hot water heater saves money by only heating water as needed. Although these heaters have numerous advantages, they also have a few drawbacks.
In this post, we discover tankless water heaters, their pros, cons, how they work, and how long a tankless water heater lasts.
What Is A Tankless Water Heater
In contrast to a standard water heater that heats the water in a reservoir around the clock, the water in an on-demand or tankless system works only when you need hot water. This ensures that you always have hot water available. Compared to a conventional 40-gallon tank, tankless technology can save money on electricity.
Tankless water heaters typically have a flow rate of 2 to 5 gallons of hot water per minute, depending on the model. According to energy.gov, gas-fired tankless water heaters usually have higher flow rates than electric units.
If you have a large family and use a lot of hot water, you may want to consider installing more than one tankless water heater to meet your needs.
Tankless Water Heaters – How Do They Work?
Tankless water heaters, or on-demand water heaters, do not require a storage tank. When you open the tap for hot water, a flow sensing element in a tankless heater gets activated. The water is then heated over a gas burner or an electric coil.
You don’t have to be concerned about running out of hot water because no tank needs to be refilled. Instead, the water is heated on demand. So, the heater shuts down when you turn off the faucet, indicating that the water flow has ceased.
Tankless Water Heater Pros And Cons
Going through the pros and cons of these tankless water heaters should give you a better insight into whether you should opt for this technology or not.
Pros
Immediate Supply Of Hot Water
Many people who plan to buy a tankless water heater wonder, “Do tankless water heaters run out of hot water?” Well, this part is the answer to that question.
Tankless water heaters heat water as quickly as you turn on the faucet of the shower or sink—up to 10 gallons per minute—because they have no reservoir. So, regardless of what time of the day you turn your faucet on, you instantly have access to hot water.
This feature especially comes in handy in the kitchen, where you have to use the water throughout the day. With the installation of this appliance, you have a water heater that never runs out.
More Compact
Anyone who has ever used a heat pump or a typical water heater with a cylindrical tank in the basement, kitchen, or garage would be shocked by the size of these units. They’re more compact than traditional storage heaters and can be installed on a wall, so they don’t take up any room. In houses with limited square footage, their size may be an advantage.
Remember to explore what a tankless water heater looks like before purchasing one for your house.
Reduction In Utility Bills
With their installation, you might save money on your utility bills. Ideally, the cost of building and purchasing the unit should be less than the savings in energy bills throughout the appliance’s lifespan.
With an electric model, you’ll start saving more quickly than with gas models, which are more expensive to run.
The Eco-Friendly Alternative
Tankless heaters consume up to 50% less electricity than traditional water heaters. For this reason, tankless systems are more environmentally friendly than traditional ones. They use energy more effectively and sustainably by only heating water when needed. Traditional units aren’t as efficient because they heat water round the clock.
Remote Connection
It is possible to control some tankless water heaters via an app, making them a “smart home” feature. When you return home, turn on the appliance so that hot water comes running for you when you go in the shower or bath.
Efficiency
Instead of continuously heating and conserving a water supply like traditional ones, the tankless water heater saves energy by not storing water.
Cons
Energy Requirement
Tankless water heaters require a lot of energy for a short period, and many homes aren’t ready to handle that kind of energy demand in the first place. If your panel has the capacity, you may need to install a dedicated circuit with an updated breaker to install an electric tankless water heater.
Cost
The upfront cost of a tankless water heater is higher, but the long service life and the savings on energy bills make up for the additional expense.
Longer Wait Times
A tankless water heater’s lack of a storage tank means that hot water must be heated before being dispensed, but this can be avoided with correct and separate installations.
How Long Does A Tankless Water Heater Last
The components of tankless heaters are simple to replace. Due to this fact, these on-demand water heaters can have a lifespan of at least 20 years and possibly much longer, according to energy.gov. This means it can last at least five to ten years longer than a storage water heater’s typical lifespan.
Conclusion
Considering the pros and cons of a tankless water heater, we can say that the pros outweigh its cons. The installation of this appliance can add value to your home and enhance your quality of life. So, if your current heater is on its last leg or has been draining your finances, you should quickly switch to tankless water heaters.
While the initial cost may seem a lot right now, it can save you a ton of money in the long run. Hence, it won’t be wrong to say you can recover more than you invest. Call Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC today at (704) 289-6858.
