Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons

Time for a new water heater? You’ve probably heard friends, family, or even your plumber rave about the benefits of a tankless water heater. And they all have a point. Can you imagine never scheduling your showers again? 

With a tankless water heater, you can shower without worrying about the water running cold. Continue reading to learn more about the pros and cons of tankless water heaters and how Hunter Super Techs can help.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Also known as an on-demand or instant water heater, a tankless water heater only heats water when needed. 

As the name suggests, a tankless water heater has no storage tank that stores and heats water. Instead, water flows through a heating element that quickly heats and disperses hot water to the respective faucets.

Types of Tankless Water Heaters

There are various tankless water heaters on the market, categorized by fuel type and whether they serve whole-home needs.

Gas

Gas tankless water heaters burn propane or natural gas to heat water. Gas-fueled water heaters come in condensing and non-condensing options.

Condensing

Condensing gas water heaters have a secondary heat exchanger that uses heat from the exhaust to warm the water before it reaches the main heat exchanger. This eliminates the need for a stainless steel exhaust system.

Non-condensing

Non-condensing gas water heaters don’t have a secondary heat exchanger. This tankless water heater uses a primary heat exchanger to heat and disperse water rapidly. 

Since they don’t have a secondary heat exchanger, the exhaust must be vented through a stainless steel exhaust system.

Electric

Electric tankless water heaters rely on an electric heating element to heat water rapidly. They are less expensive to install but more costly to purchase. Electric water heaters are simple, efficient, and a popular choice for many homeowners.

Point-of-Use

Point-of-use tankless water heaters are ideal for smaller households. 

Unlike traditional tankless systems that heat water for the entire house, these heaters are installed next to a specific shower, faucet, or appliance to provide hot water exactly where it’s needed.

Pros of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular because of their efficiency and convenience. Some of the top tankless water heater benefits include:

Improved Energy Efficiency

A tankless water heater uses far less fuel and electricity than its storage tank counterpart. By reducing energy costs, you can save over time.

Instant Hot Water Supply

The hallmark of a tankless water heater is its ability to heat water on demand. This means that you can get instant hot water whenever you need it.

Saves Space in Your Home

Tankless water heaters are small and can be placed in locations like closets or utility rooms—perfect for smaller homes with limited space.

Never Ending Hot Water

A tankless water heater provides a never-ending supply of hot water, which means you won’t have to worry about your shower running cold.

Longer Lifespan

Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years, while traditional tank-style water heaters typically last about 12 years.

Lower Utility Bills 

Tankless water heaters use less energy than storage-tank water heaters, which can help you save on your monthly utility bills.

Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Nothing is ever 100% perfect. If you’re concerned about high upfront costs and household size, a tankless water heater might not be for you. 

Here are some tankless water heater cons:

Higher Initial Costs

The upfront cost of a tankless water heater is higher than that of a storage-tank water heater. Although the long-term savings can be significant, the high upfront cost may deter budget-conscious buyers.

Multiple Units for Larger Households

Tankless water heaters struggle to provide hot water to multiple appliances, showers, and fixtures simultaneously. Installing several units can get pricey, which may not be practical for larger households.

Limited Flow Rates

A tankless water heater typically requires a higher gas flow rate or greater electrical capacity. Upgrading the flow rate may increase water heater installation costs.

How Much Do Tankless Water Heaters Cost?

The average cost of a tankless water heater ranges between $800 and $3,500.

It’s understandable that some may find the initial cost of a tankless water heater off-putting. In fact, it can cost three times as much to purchase and install a tankless water heater compared to a traditional storage-tank water heater. 

However, the long-term savings can significantly outweigh the initial cost.

Installing and Maintaining a Tankless Water Heater

Installation

Choosing a reputable company for tankless water heater installation ensures proper setup. Things like fuel type, climate, local building codes, and safety all must be taken into consideration. Take a look at your chosen contractor’s reviews—have others expressed positive experiences?

Maintenance

The best way to get the most out of your tankless water heater is to maintain it regularly. Hunter Super Techs can help maintain your tankless water heater by descaling, addressing the flow sensor, and making minor repairs to ensure everything flows smoothly. 

Let’s Install Your Tankless Water Heater

If it’s time for a water heater upgrade, it’s time to consider going tankless. 

Hunter Super Techs is well-versed in installing and maintaining various tankless water heaters for Southern Oklahoma and Texas communities. Get 24/7 support from on-demand plumbers in your area and say goodbye to cold showers for good.

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