Tankless water heaters, or on-demand water heaters, are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners in the United States. According to a recent study by Energy Star, tankless water heaters can save homeowners up to 20 percent on their annual energy costs. This is because tankless water heaters do not store water for use in an entire home or building; instead, they only heat water as needed.
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 35 percent of new homes built in 2011 featured tankless hot water heaters. The NAHB also reported that 90 percent of these homes were equipped with natural gas-fired tankless hot water heaters. In addition, tankless hot water heater sales increased by 13 percent between 2010 and 2011.
So, if you have not installed a tankless water heater in your home yet, you have been missing a lot.
Wondering what are the tankless water heater’s pros and cons?
In this article, a Tankless Water Heater Installation expert in Mooresville, NC, will cover everything you need to know about tankless water heaters and will walk you through different types of tankless water heaters and why tankless water heater installation is better for your home and budget.
What is a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters are the future. A tankless water heater is a device that heats water on demand, and it provides hot water without a tank. Unlike tank-type water heaters that store and heat so much water, tankless hot water heaters heat water directly as it goes through the unit.
It’s also called an instantaneous water heater or an on-demand water heater. An electric model is the most common type of tankless water heater, though some natural gas models exist.
Tankless water heaters are generally more expensive than traditional storage tank models, but they also save hundreds of dollars spent on energy bills over the long time.
Tankless water heaters are useful in homes where there are many people who take showers or baths in quick succession. They can also be used to save money on energy bills if you live in an area with high energy costs.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are one of the most efficient ways to heat your water. They work by heating your water as it flows through the device, eliminating the need for a tank. This means you can have hot water instantly and never run out.
There are two types of tankless water heaters: electric and gas (propane). Here’s an overview of each type:
Electric tankless water heaters
Electric tankless water heaters are the most common type, and they work by heating water as it passes through a special element. They are usually cheaper than gas-powered models, but they also tend to be less efficient than their gas counterparts.
Gas (propane) tankless water heaters
Gas (propane) tankless water heaters operate similarly to electric models, but instead of using electricity to power the heating element, they use a small amount of propane gas that is ignited inside the unit. This means there is no need for an electric cord or any other type of power source — all you need is propane fuel, which can be purchased at any hardware store or gas station. Gas tankless water heaters tend to be more expensive than their electrical counterparts, but they also offer better energy efficiency and can save you money over time because they do not require an electrical connection or power source.
Difference Between Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters
The water heater is an essential part of your home. It heats the water you use for bathing, cleaning, cooking, and more.
There are two types of water heaters, tank and tankless. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages, which is why you should know the difference between them before buying one for your home.
Here’s a comparison chart highlighting the main differences between tank and tankless water heaters:
| Feature | Tank Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater |
| Operation | Water is stored in a tank and heated continuously | Water is heated on demand without storage |
| Size | Large, requires space for the tank | Compact, mounted on a wall or installed indoors |
| Hot Water Supply | Limited by the tank capacity | Continuous, as long as the demand is within a limit |
| Energy Efficiency | May experience standby heat loss | High efficiency, no standby heat loss |
| Energy Consumption | Consumes energy to keep stored water hot | Consumes energy only when hot water is required |
| Installation | Easier installation may require venting | More complex installations may need re-piping |
| Lifespan | Typically 10-15 years | Typically 20+ years |
| Cost | Lower upfront costs but higher energy bills | Higher upfront cost but lower energy bills |
| Maintenance | Regular flushing is required to remove sediment | Minimal maintenance required |
| Longevity of Hot Water | Hot water can run out if usage exceeds the capacity | Unlimited hot water supply |
| Environmental Impact | Higher greenhouse gas emissions | Lower greenhouse gas emissions |
| Flexibility of Placement | Can be installed outdoors or in unconditioned spaces | Requires indoor installation |
7 Pros of Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters have been around for decades, but they’re becoming increasingly popular as more people become aware of their benefits. Tankless hot water heaters are more efficient than traditional tanks and don’t need to be replaced as often. They also provide endless hot water, so you can keep your faucet running without worrying about running out of hot water.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider switching to a tankless water heater:
Energy Efficiency
Tankless hot water heaters are a great energy-saving solution for your home. They can save you as much as 35% on your energy bills compared to a traditional tank heater, and they don’t require any installation costs or plumbing changes.
Endless Hot Water
The biggest advantage of a tankless water heater is that it provides endless hot water. This means you can take as many showers or baths as you want and never run out of hot water. You will also not have to wait for the water in the tank to heat up before using it, so you can use it immediately after turning on the tap.
Space-Saving Design
Another advantage of using a tankless water heater is its space-saving design. A typical gas-fired tankless water heater only takes up about two square feet of space, which means that you can install it almost anywhere in your house without worrying about taking up too much room. The space-saving design also makes them perfect for apartments or condos where the area is at a premium.
Longer Lifespan
Tankless water heaters generally have a longer lifespan compared to tank water heaters. With proper maintenance, tankless units can last up to 20 years, while tank water heaters typically last around 10-15 years. This longer lifespan can result in cost savings over time.
Reduced Risk of Water Damage
Tankless water heaters are known for their efficiency and reliability, but they also come with a few problems. One of the biggest risks associated with conventional tankless water heaters is that they can leak. This can lead to damage to your home or business and potential health hazards. Since tankless water heaters don’t have tanks, they don’t have a large amount of space where leaks can occur and cause damage. This makes them much safer than conventional water heaters.
Temperature Control
With a tankless water heater, you can set it to whatever temperature you want: cold, warm, hot—anything in between! You can also choose to run it continuously or have it only come on when you need it to (like when you shower).
Environmentally Friendly
Tankless water heaters are environmentally friendly because they utilize less energy and produce lower greenhouse emissions. The less energy a water heater uses, the less greenhouse gases are emitted into the air. In fact, tankless water heaters have been shown to use about half as much energy as traditional tanks.
6 Cons of Tankless Water Heater
While tankless water heaters have several advantages, they also have some drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the cons of tankless water heaters:
Higher Upfront Cost
The upfront cost of a tankless water heater is usually much higher than that of a tanked water heater. The initial price tag can be anywhere from $200 to $1000, depending on your chosen size and brand. But with proper maintenance, you won’t have to replace your tankless water heater for years or decades, so the long-term cost is actually lower than that of a traditional water heater.
Limited Flow Rate
The second potential drawback is the limited flow rate. Tankless water heaters require a specific amount of electricity to heat a given amount of water. If you try to use more water than they can handle at once, they won’t be able to keep up, and you’ll end up with cold showers (or worse). Most tankless models will have some kind of flow limiter built in to prevent this from happening accidentally.
Initial Hot Water Delay
When you turn on your water heater, hot water flows through the pipes for a few seconds. This is called the initial hot water delay. With tankless heaters, this can be as short as zero seconds or as long as 30 seconds.
Complex Installation
Tankless water heaters require more plumbing work than conventional models because they have separate gas lines and electrical connections. These connections may need to be installed in hard-to-reach places or places where there isn’t enough room for them to fit.
Higher Maintenance Costs
Because these units have moving parts that wear out over time, you’ll need to replace some components occasionally—which means spending money on tankless water heater service repair and replacement.
Vulnerability to Power Outages
The tankless water heater is vulnerable to power outages because you don’t have a tank that stores hot water. If the power goes out, then it will not be able to heat up the water. This could lead to cold showers or no hot water at all.
8 Factors to Consider For Tankless Hot Water Heater Installation
When it comes to heating your home, you want a hot water heater that will keep up with your family’s needs—and last for the long haul.
You’ll want to consider nine factors when choosing the right tankless model:
Hot Water Demand
How much hot water do you need in a day? You can figure this out by looking at your energy usage over time and calculating how many gallons of hot water you use per day.
Fuel Type
In most cases, gas-powered tankless water heaters are going to be more expensive than electric ones, but they’ll also last longer and cost less to operate. If you have an older home with no access to natural gas or propane, though, an electric unit might be your best option.
Installation Space and Ventilation
Consider the space available in your home. Tankless hot water heaters are designed to be installed in spaces where they will get plenty of ventilation—they need it to operate efficiently. If you want to install one in a room that doesn’t have great ventilation, you may need to consider an alternative type of hot water heating system.
Upfront Cost and Budget
Next, think about your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on this project. Tankless hot water heaters can be expensive upfront but save you money over time by reducing your energy costs significantly. However, if you don’t have enough cash saved up for the initial investment or if you’ll struggle financially after paying for installation fees and other expenses related to switching out your old setup for a new one, then maybe this isn’t the right decision for you right now!
Installation Complexity
Tankless hot water heaters are designed to be easy to install but are not always that simple. Some tankless hot water heaters require no additional plumbing or wiring. However, others require additional tankless water heater installation, piping, or electrical work. If you’re installing a tankless hot water heater as part of a complete remodel, you may want to look for an expert for tankless water heater installation near me to help you with the installation.
Maintenance Requirements
Most tankless hot water heaters don’t require much maintenance beyond keeping the unit clean and free of sediment buildup. However, some tankless models need regular flushing with vinegar and water to remove mineral deposits from the heating coils and prevent corrosion from forming on them over time. You should also check for leaks around connections every now and then, as well as for signs of discoloration in areas where condensation forms on the outside of your home’s walls (this could indicate insufficient insulation).
Professional Installation
Tankless water heaters typically require professional tankless water heater services due to the complexities involved. Consult with a qualified plumber or HVAC technician to assess your specific installation requirements and ensure proper tankless water heater installation and compliance with local codes and regulations.
Warranty and Support
Tankless hot water heater installation should be considered before purchasing a tankless water heater. The warranty is important because it ensures the product works efficiently without any issues or problems. If you choose to install a tankless water heater, ensure an available warranty on parts and labor for at least 10 years.
FAQs
If you’re looking to install a tankless water heater in your home, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive about tankless water heaters, so you can get the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.
So let’s get started!
Call Professional Plumber for Tankless Water Heater Installation in Mooresville, NC!
If you’re looking for a plumber in Mooresville, NC, you’ve come to the right place. We’re Wicker Trade Service Inc, and we’ve been offering our professional plumbing services to the community since 2002. We offer a wide range of services to meet your needs—from tankless water heater installation to drain cleaning and even plumbing repairs. We can fix any problem you may have with your plumbing system and get you back on track in no time!
Whether you are a homeowner or business owner, we can provide the services you need. Our comprehensive range of Tankless Water Heater Services in Mooresville including:
- Tankless Water Heater Installation
- Tankless Hot Water Heater Repair
- Gas Hot Water Heater Repair
- Electric Tankless Water Heater Installation and Repair
- Gas Line Installation
- Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
We know how frustrating it can be when your tankless water heater isn’t working as it should—and we want to help!
Our dedicated team of professionals has years of experience installing tankless water heaters that are energy efficient and cost-effective. We’ll listen to your needs, discuss what’s important to you, and work with you to create the best solution for your home or business.
So give us a call today at (704) 340-4810, and let us help you get the hot water heater installation service you deserve!