The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Updated: Oct 17, 2022
Energy efficiency is a rising trend for today’s homeowners, especially in the Colorado Springs area. Multitudes of new housing developments are rising up, older homes are getting renovated, and when it comes to installing heating systems and appliances, energy conservatism seems to be the way to go. In particular, Tankless Water Heaters are gaining popularity. They last longer and save money by conserving gallons of water every day, which is a plus for many local homeowners. If you need a new water heater and are debating whether to get a tankless water heater or a standard gas or electric water heater, we’ve made a list of all of the pros and cons for tankless.
The Pros
Conserves Energy & Water
One of the primary reasons that home owners are choosing to go tankless is because of the amount of energy and water that they will save. A tankless water heater utilizes 30% to 50% less energy than a normal tank, which could save families hundreds of dollars a year. They also need less water to operate on, which means that the normal 50 gallons of water that standard water heaters keep in their storage is no longer necessary for tankless. These innovative heaters also save water by only using and heating water when a faucet is turned on. No extra time, money, or energy is spent trying to heat and distribute water when it isn’t needed.
Unlimited Supply of Hot Water
Another incredible benefit of tankless water heaters is the unlimited supply of hot water. While standard water tanks will run out if two or three people take a shower, or after filling up a bathtub, tankless heaters provide a constant stream of hot water. People who have hot tubs find this especially valuable, because you can completely fill the tub, then get in right away. The water does not lose its heat, staying the same temperature for as long as you need it.
Smaller Size
One nice aspect about tankless water heaters is that they do not take up a lot of space. A small heater is about the size of a large electric panel box. Tankless water heaters are mounted on the wall and can be stowed away conveniently, as opposed to the giant standard water heaters than need quite a bit of square footage.
Longer Lifespan
Standard water heaters ususally come with 6 year warranties. While it probably lasts a little longer than that, 6 years is not a very long time. Tankless water heaters typically last around 15 to even 20 years, with warranties extending from 6, 9, 12 or 15 years. If you are a homeowner in Colorado Springs, a tankless water heater would be a great investment if you plan to stay in your home for a long period of time.
The Cons
Higher Upfront Cost
Unfortunately, you will have a much larger upfront cost for tankless water heaters. They are designed to have a lot more technology integrated within them. The price will also increase based on the size that your family needs. If you have a larger home with multiple people, you will be spending more to get a water heater that can meet your home’s needs.
Tankless water heaters also need professional installation, as they need special ventilation requirements, a sealed vent system, and need a larger gas line. Tankless water heaters are not a DIY project. This could be a benefit, however. If you hire a trustworthy, expert plumbing company, they will do it right the first time, without any mistakes. You can find comfort knowing that your tankless water heater was installed properly.
Can’t Heat all Pipes at Once
Another disadvantage to these tankless water heaters is that you cannot heat more than one thing at a time. If you have a small tankless heater, it will only be able to heat the water in one pipe, flowing in one direction. This means that you might have to choose between taking a shower and running the dishwasher. However, if you have a large tankless heater, then this will not be a problem for you and your family. It is dependent on size.
Tankless water heaters have many advantage that could benefit your family in the long run. While they have a large, upfront cost, the money saved in utility bills could eventually cancel out that cost, and will end up saving you a lot more money. However, you do have to keep in mind the size of your home and the number of people in your family when purchasing a tankless water heater, as the size does determine how much water it can distribute at a time. A professional, honest plumbing company will be able to advise you best on what type of tankless heater you should get.
If you’d like to know more about the tankless water heaters that we install, contact us today to ask us questions or to set up an appointment. We would be happy to help you decide what water heater is right for you.