If you're looking to buy a hot water tank, there are many different options available on the market today. And an increasingly popular choice among homeowners is a tankless or demand-type water heater that heats water directly when needed rather than using a storage tank. Here are five things to consider about tankless water heaters to decide if one is right for your home.
Cost
Tankless water heaters will likely save you money in the long run, but initial purchase and installation costs can be higher than tank models. In fact, the cost of a tankless option can run as much as three times more than its conventional counterpart. Plus, you'll need to take into account the fees for a professional plumber to install it. And in case your home isn't prepped for a tankless system, you'll need to factor in the price of bringing in an electrician to complete the job. But the upfront investment in a tankless water heater pays off in many ways that will, in the end, save you money.
Energy Use
Depending on the energy source you use, one of the biggest benefits of a tankless water heater is that it will save on energy costs compared to conventional options so your utility bills will be lower each month. That's because it's more efficient, only heating up the water on demand rather than continually heating large amounts of water in a tank twenty-four hours a day - even when you're not in the house.
Longevity
While you're not typically thinking about the lifespan of your mechanical systems when you purchase them, it's important to consider that tankless hot water heaters will last much longer than traditional tank styles - as much as twice as long. That means you'll incur fewer replacement costs down the road.
Convenience
With a tankless hot water heater, you can have hot water any time you need it. Sound too good to be true? It's not, thanks to a system designed to provide multiple gallons of hot water a minute, whenever you want it. If you're tired of running out of warm water while you shower, a tankless option may be the best choice for you.
Space
One of the main reasons homeowners choose tankless water heaters is because of their space-saving design, which can free up additional space for storage or other uses. Because they're compact, they can also be conveniently installed in more places. And, unlike a tank model, they can even be placed outside on a wall.
Maintenance
There's not much you need to do to keep a tankless hot water tank running optimally. But you'll need to regularly remove any buildup of limescale that could impact its performance. Some models will indicate when there's scale, but others should be checked after the first year of use so you can determine a maintenance schedule going forward.
Tankless hot water heaters offer a number of benefits to homeowners, but they can also be more expensive than other model types. It's important to consider the pros and cons of a tankless style to determine if it's the best fit for your house.
