When it comes to heating water, there are many options. The two that immediately come to mind are tankless and tank-based water heaters. So, is getting a tankless water heater worth it?
Tankless water heaters are more worth it in scenarios where you lack storage space. Otherwise, those with room for a water tank should stick with the standard option.
Below, we will go through a few pros and cons worth considering when choosing a tankless water heater.
Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater
Pro #1: Instant Hot Water
The primary bonus of owning a tankless heater comes from the efficiency you get. It takes less time to heat the water because there is a smaller space to heat it.
You can feasibly take a hot shower in five minutes since you don’t have to warm up an entire storage tank.
Con #1: Limited Hot Water
The worst element of a tankless heater comes back to the loss of long, hot showers. You might get hot water quicker, but those quickly turn into cold showers if you spend more than 15 minutes in your bathtub.
Tankless units don’t have the same capacity as water. This is an issue regardless of you choosing between gas and electric models.
Pro #2: Longer Lasting
Because tankless models have smaller units, they get less use than tank models. This allows less stress to be applied to the unit, resulting in a longer-lasting heater.
The less time you spend replacing a heater, the more money you can save.
Con #2: High Initial Investment
While you can save money in the long run, the initial investment is much higher. Estimates from plumbers vary from $1,000 to $3,000. These rates due include the standard cost of labor.
While tankless options offer more efficient units, they do not make it easy to get into.
Pro #3: No Standby Loss
Tank units often go into “standby mode,” a convenience measure that makes a small amount of water readily available. This is great when you want a quick shower but costs you more money over time.
Tankless models do not need a standby mode because they immediately heat liquid in smaller doses.
Con #3: Requires Additional Equipment
Standard water heaters aren’t just limited to tanks; they typically come with additional features (like water softeners). Tankless models do not include these same benefits, requiring other equipment.
The equipment will require additional maintenance. This work costs more money because technicians need specialized training due to the lesser popularity of tankless heaters.
This additional cost has the potential to erode any savings you get from going tankless.
Final Thoughts
If you live in a tiny home, tankless heaters are an excellent option for your home. The space-saving measure will make some small sacrifices, but they let you use the extra space for other needs.
If you do not have these unique needs, stick with the standard model. When adding additional drains and modifying plumbing, be sure to contact us to get the help you need.
