When it comes to heating water in our homes, we often don’t give it much thought — if any. We switch on the tap, and hot water magically appears. However, the type of water heater in our homes can have a significant impact on energy costs, hot water usage, and environmental impact. For years, the conventional storage-tank water heater has dominated the market, but is it worth switching to a tankless water heater? Let’s explore the pros and cons of tankless units.
What Are Tankless Water Heaters?
As the name clearly suggests, a tankless water heater heats water on demand instead of storing it in a big tank that needs to be heated continuously. This means that you only heat the water you need when you need it, which can result in significant energy savings. Additionally, tankless water heaters generally take up less space than their bulky storage tank counterparts, which can be a noteworthy advantage in smaller homes or apartments.
Do you still have questions about the water heating process? Use this guide to learn more about tankless water heaters and how they operate:
Now that you know how a tankless water heater provides hot water, let’s go over a few other factors you should consider before installing one.
Energy Efficiency
Many homeowners will say it is worth switching to a tankless water heater because of its energy efficiency. Storage tank water heaters are notorious for standby heat loss — which is the amount of energy that is wasted by keeping a large amount of water hot around the clock, even when it’s not being used. Tankless water heaters, however, only heat water when it’s needed, which can lead to noteworthy energy savings. Additionally, tankless units have a longer lifespan than traditional water heaters — up to 20 years or more, compared to around ten years for storage tanks.
Hot Water Supply
Some people will say that you should replace your water heater with a tankless unit because it provides hot water on demand at a consistent temperature and flow rate. This is especially important for homes with high hot water usage, such as large families or those with multiple bathrooms and a washing machine. With a tankless unit, you’ll never run out of hot water, which can be a real game-changer for households with high demand.
Installation Costs
If you feel ready to install a tankless water heater, you should be aware that these models are known to have higher installation costs than storage tank water heaters. This is because they may require new gas lines or electrical wiring, and they often require a more involved installation process.
Of course, many homeowners consider these higher upfront costs to be worth it in the long term. Since tankless units have high energy efficiency, they can provide you with great energy savings on a monthly basis. If you’re unsure if you should replace your water heater with a tankless unit, these are factors you’ll certainly want to consider.
Flow Rates
If you’re unsure whether or not you should replace your water heater with a tankless unit, you might also want to consider their flow rates.
While these units can provide hot water on demand, they may struggle to keep up with high-demand tasks like running multiple showers and your washing machine at the same time. As a result, you may encounter cold water flowing from your faucets and showerheads when you least expect it. This can lead to less-than-ideal shower experiences and longer wait times for hot water when you need it.
Is It Worth Switching to a Tankless Water Heater?
So, should you replace your water heater with a tankless unit? The answer depends on your specific needs, budget, and priorities. If you’re concerned about energy efficiency and hot water availability, a tankless water heater may be worth the higher installation costs. However, if you’re happy with your current hot water setup, a conventional water heater with a standard storage tank may be sufficient for your needs.
All-in-all, you might think that it is worth switching to a tankless water heater if you’re looking for an efficient, space-saving, and consistent hot water source. Ultimately, the decision to install an electric tankless water heater should be based on your specific needs and priorities.
Whether you need an emergency water heater installation or you’ve been considering an upgrade for some time, the experts at PGA Inc. can help. We always perform our services with a high level of professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Are you ready to schedule an appointment for your water heater replacement in Wausau, WI, or the surrounding area? Contact us today!
