Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners as they provide a cost-effective, long-term solution to keeping your home warm. However, before switching from a standard water heater to a tankless model, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
In this blog, we’ll outline the advantages and disadvantages of going tankless—and we’ll also show that even standard water heaters can be cost-effective with proper maintenance.
The Benefits of Going Tankless
Tankless water heaters offer multiple advantages over their traditional counterparts. For starters, they are much more efficient than traditional water heaters since they don’t have to keep large amounts of heated water on standby.
Instead, they only produce hot water when needed, so you won’t have to worry about wasted energy heating up unused water. Tankless models take up much less space than tank heaters, making them ideal for smaller homes or apartments.
The Drawbacks of Going Tankless
Of course, tankless water heaters have some drawbacks that you should be aware of before purchasing. They tend to cost more upfront than traditional models—although long-term savings often offset that initial cost regarding energy efficiency and warranty coverage.
Tankless models require larger gas lines and other specialized plumbing fixtures to function correctly; this could mean additional costs if you need to upgrade your existing plumbing setup to accommodate a new system.
Most tankless systems require regular maintenance to keep functioning at peak efficiency. This could mean additional costs over what you already paid for the system itself.
Standard Water Heaters are Still an Option
Standard water heaters can still be a viable option for homeowners who are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The key is being diligent about routine inspections.
Most standard hot water tanks will last an average of 8-12 years — so if your system is nearing the end of its life cycle, now may be the perfect time to consider upgrading to a more efficient model.