Tankless Water Heaters: Pros and Cons

Are you tired of the shower going cold before you finish? If you are always finding the hot water runs out too quickly, you might be one of the thousands of consumers each year who switch to a tankless water heater.

Tankless water heaters hold some definite advantages over conventional water heaters (unlimited hot water!), but there are some downsides as well. At Plumbers911, we know our clients in Fresno, Tracy, Modesto and the rest of the Central Valley are savvy consumers, so we’ve put together some pros and cons as you contemplate the switch to a tankless water heater.

Pro: Rather than keeping a finite amount of heated water in storage, like traditional water heaters do, a tankless heater heats water on demand, by running cold water through a pipe heated with an electric or gas-powered unit. What does that mean for you? No more running out of hot water, as your tankless water heater will provide a continuous flow of hot water for as long as you keep it running!

Con: Since 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. The delay usually only lasts a minute, but it’s the chief downside of the tankless heater. With a tankless heater, the water must be brought to the proper temperature, then runs through the pipes to reach your faucet. It’s not a long delay, but it takes more than a few seconds for this to happen.

Pro: 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. In contrast, a tankless heater only runs when you actually use it, saving up to 50 percent of the energy, and saving you money with lower energy bills.

Con: 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 heaters are.

Pro: Although it costs 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.

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. Investing in a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand may be the right choice for your household.

Once you’ve considered these pros and cons, give Plumbers 911 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, Stockton or elsewhere in the great Central Valley, there’s a Plumbers 911 professional near you.