Pros and Cons of On-Demand Water Heaters
Does your hot water seem to run out too quickly? If you are tired of running out of hot water, you might be considering switching to a tankless water heater. At California Plumbers911, we often help our clients in Fresno, Modesto, Clovis, Tracy, and the rest of the Central Valley switch from conventional to tankless hot water heaters. Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, hold some definite advantages over conventional water heaters, but there are some downsides as well. In this blog, we share some pros and cons to consider as you contemplate whether you should buy a tankless water heater. Still have questions? Give Plumbers911 a call!
Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Pro: Tankless Water Heaters Heat Water on Demand
They are also known as “on-demand water heaters” for a reason – tankless water heaters heat water on demand, by running cold water through a pipe heated with an electric or gas-powered unit. This means no more running out of hot water! Your tankless water heater will provide a continuous flow of hot water for as long as you keep it running. In contrast, conventional hot water heaters keep a finite amount of heated water in the storage tank.
Con: Tankless Water Heaters Cannot Provide Instant Hot Water
Because a tankless heater heats water on demand, and doesn’t have a tank to hold hot water, it cannot provide you with hot water instantly. With a tankless heater, the water must be brought to the proper temperature, then runs through the pipes to reach your faucet. The delay usually only lasts a minute, but it’s the primary downside of tankless water heaters.
Pro: Tankless Water Heaters Only Run When In Use – Saving You Money
Traditional water heaters heat water in the tank to a certain temperature, then store it there, requiring energy to maintain that water at that temperature throughout the day. A tankless water heater, in comparison, only runs when you actually use it, saving up to 50% of the energy, and saving you $$$ with lower energy bills.
Con: Tankless Water Heaters May Cost More Up Front
While you may save money over the long run with lower energy bills, there is a higher upfront cost to a tankless heater as compared to a traditional unit. Tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install than traditional water heaters are.
Pro: Tankless Water Heaters Have a Longer Life Span
Although it may cost more to purchase and install, a tankless water heater has a significantly longer life span than a traditional water heater. A tankless water heater can last about 20 years, while a traditional unit usually lasts for about 10.
Should You Switch to a Tankless Water Heater?
If you are tired of trying to ration the hot water among multiple family members every morning, then it may be time to say “No more!” to being the last one in the shower when there’s only cold water left. Once you’ve considered these pros and cons, give Plumbers911 a call so we can answer any questions you still have. Then, when you’re ready, we’ll help you select the best unit for your house, and professionally install it for you. Whether you’re in Fresno, Modesto, Tracy, or anywhere else in the Central Valley, there’s a Plumbers911 professional near you. Give us a call today!
