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Tankless water heaters are an alternative to the traditional tank-style water heater commonly used in the U.S. But what are the pros and cons of each option? Here are some of the most important factors to consider.
4 Pros Of A Tankless System
Save energy and money.
A traditional tank heater keeps a ready supply of water heated. This means your water heater is using energy around the clock to keep your tank full of heated water. A tankless heater only uses energy when you turn on the hot water tap, saving you on energy costs.
Get an unlimited supply of hot water.
A traditional tank heater only has so much hot water; once the water in the tank is depleted, you have to wait for it to heat more. A tankless system supplies as much hot water as you need since it’s heated on demand.
The system takes up less space.
Tankless heaters are much smaller than traditional tank heaters, making them less obtrusive and more flexible. You may be able to install one in a closet or underneath the counter — no need to take up a whole corner of the garage or basement.
They have a long life span.
Tankless water heaters last for 20 or more years. Tank systems, by contrast, last between 8 and 12 years.
3 Cons Of A Tankless System
They cost more upfront.
HomeAdvisor says the average cost of a traditional tank system is $1,259. By contrast, the average cost to install a tankless water heater is $2,431. Prices vary widely based on current prices of materials and labor, the specific type of water heater you choose, and the current cost of the systems themselves.
They don’t provide instant hot water.
Because tankless systems heat water on demand, it’s logical to assume they would also deliver hot water on demand. They don’t.
Cold water is already in the pipes before you turn the hot water tap on. No matter what kind of system you have, you have to wait for that cold water to run through the tap before heated water starts to flow. You may also experience inconsistent water temperatures when other sinks, showers, or appliances are in use.
To get immediate hot water with either type of water heating system, consider installing a hot water recirculating pump.
You won’t have hot showers during a power outage.
One comfort of a gas-powered traditional water heater is that they continue to provide hot water during power outages. Because tankless systems run on electricity, they don’t.
Which Water Heater Is Right For You?
Once you’ve considered the pros and cons and determined that a tankless water heater is right for you, we can walk you through the process and look into any current rebates or discounts.