Jan

12

Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It?

Filed Under Hot Water Heaters 

Everyone is looking for ways to reduce their home energy budget in today’s economy. While small things, like replacing old lightbulbs, can amount to a huge savings over the course of a year; finding large, one time changes may make more sense. So many people naturally turn to the one thing they use every day: water. And when it comes to your home’s water, heating it impacts about thirty percent of an average home’s energy use.

However, one of the top options being brought to the table for a “quick fix” may not be as efficient as many believe. Tankless water heaters are an option that should be explored with care.

Most tankless heaters are a bit more costly up front than their holding tank counterparts. Add in that most models will need an electrical outlet, upgraded gas pipes and also special ventilation systems. This can often make installation costs a bit more prohibitive than people think.

Tankless heaters may not provide the endless hot water many manufacturers claim. One of the more common complaints about these models is the fact that hot water consistency just isn’t there. Most tankless models will first feed cold water to determine the temperature level needed. So the heater may not ignite if you’re just using a small amount of hot water – such as if you are shaving or washing your hands.

They also require more care than the traditional tanked hot water heaters. Tankless models tend to have a scale build up issue and they need to be serviced about once every year. Calcium build up can have a tremendous impact on a tankless heater’s efficiency and a water softener may also need to be installed. If you plan on getting a tankless heater, check your warranty. It may be shortened if you don’t obtain a water softener along with the water heater.

A tankless water heater can be a great solution under the right circumstances. Like any home improvement investment, it does require a bit of homework to understand if this option is right for you. Before jumping in with both feet and contacting a tankless water heater dealer, who will always praise the product, talk with an experienced plumber first. Your plumber can give you the pros and cons of each choice and provide you with the best options to meet your needs.

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