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Pro and Cons of Using a Tankless Water Heater

There are several reasons American homeowners are becoming more inclined to upgrade their water heaters from the traditional unit to the modern tankless water heater system.

In most homes, making the switch between the traditional and the tankless heater comes with a lot of deliberation, especially as most homeowners have to consider the pros and cons of the decision, says HBR.org.

Shower Insider understands the overwhelming nature of making such choices as this and has put together a comprehensive list of pros and cons of the tankless water heater to help you make the best choice for your home and family.

We have put together a comprehensive list of pros and cons of the tankless water heater to help you make the best choice for your home and family.

Pro and Cons of Using a Tankless Water Heater

Pros 

#1 – The Tankless Water Heater Provides You With An On-Demand Hot Water

Home Guides experts say that one of the major advantages of the tankless water heater is that it allows you access to on-demand hot water without dealing with the extra energy consumed by the traditional water heater, which has a tank for storing hot water.

The tankless water heater is famed to deliver instantaneous hot water.

This ability enables it to circumvent standby heat loss which is a major disadvantage of the traditional tank-style water heaters.

The instant water heater is also equipped with a heat exchanger, which allows it to deliver heat from one element to another, in this case, from a coil to water.

#2 – Endless Supply Of Hot Water

In the case of the traditional tank-style water heater, being the last person on the line to take a bath can be a nightmare as, most often than not, others who have gone before you may have exhausted the hot water supply. Read skincare tips on how to take a bath on makeup.com before you soak!

This major disadvantage is taken care of in a tankless water heater as it allows users to enjoy both instantaneous and endless supply of hot water.

A tankless water heater may be the best bet to solve this major problem if you are on the receiving end of the lukewarm or cold water after waiting in line to take a bath.

tankless water heater on purple wall

#3 Longevity

The tankless water heater has been improved upon over the years, allowing it to offer you the best design and longevity.

Compared to the tank-style traditional heater, a tankless heater can last for as long as two decades under proper management and maintenance.

On the other hand, the traditional water heater lasts for about 10 to 13 years.

#4 – Space-Saving

Modern homes are designed to maximize space, making the traditional water heater an unsuitable addition to the house.

However, the tankless water system is a brilliant space-saving addition as users do not have to worry about the extra space that the tanks take up in the bathroom.

tankless water heater on blue tiled wall

#5 Longer Warranty

Tankless heaters are designed to be efficient. As such, manufacturers are open to offering a more extended warranty period on the units compared to the traditional tank-style water heaters.

If you are essentially in the market for more extended warranty periods, the tankless system is the best option for your needs.

#6 Available In Options

Another important advantage of the tankless water heater system is that it allows users to choose which available power options best suit their needs.

Buyers can choose between the electric and the gas-fueled heater.

The gas heated tankless water heater is also available in the gas-powered and gas-powered propane options.

#7 Energy Saving

The tankless water system has been designed to conserve energy, thus allowing users to get more value for less running cost.

tankless water heater on yellow tiled wall

Cons

 #1 Lag Time

One of the most significant disadvantages of the tankless water heater is that it can only heat a certain amount of water, between 2-3 gallons of water at a time.

This makes it exhibit some lag time in delivering hot water, especially when needed for multi-tasking activities, explains houzz.com.

#2 Hot Water Inconsistencies

While the tankless heater delivers instantaneous hot water, there could be a problem with water temperature when several people choose to take their baths simultaneously.

In some cases, users may notice lukewarm water during their bath because the unit hasn’t fully recharged the water to the desired temperature needed.

#3 An Investment

Purchasing a tankless water heater is considered an investment as it is almost twice as expensive as the tank-style option.

The gas-fueled tankless heater is also almost twice as expensive as the electric tankless heater and requires additional expertise during installation.

For old houses, homeowners may also face the financial burden of upgrading their electrical systems.

#4 Add-On Equipment May Be Required

In many tankless heater systems, homeowners may need to purchase specific add-ons depending on their location.

In some areas, homeowners may have to worry about water softeners to prolong the system’s lifespan.

#5 Size Matters

The size of the water heater matters concerning its delivery.

Smaller tankless water heaters may be incapable of serving the home’s needs simultaneously.

About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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