Tankless water heaters are very much in demand these days. If you are not sure whether you should go for the more modern tankless system, or if you should stick with a traditional hot water heater, you need to establish if a tankless system will be sufficient for your hot water, your budget, and your home layout needs.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
- Instant Hot Water – One of the biggest pros of the tankless water heater is hot water on demand. At any given time a tankless water system will heat however much water you need. Unlike traditional water heaters which store hot water in a tank. Once the tank is empty it will take some time to heat up more water for you to use.
- Efficiency – Tankless water heaters are generally more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters. In optimal conditions a tankless water heater can be as much as 50% more efficient. The reason it is more efficient is because it doesn’t store water as does a traditional water system which spends energy constantly heating to maintain a hot water supply.
- Energy Saving – Ideally, over the life of the appliance, the money you save in energy costs will more than cover the initial installation and purchase. Tankless water heaters have a lifespan of as much as 20 years, whereas traditional water heaters typically last up to 10 years.
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
- Hot Water Needs – Water is heated on demand with tankless water heaters meaning users should never run out of hot water. If however, you have a large family needing a great amount of water during certain times, it may not be the right choice for you. If everyone in a large family uses it when getting ready in the mornings, the system has to work beyond its output ability. A professional at Kings Heating and Airconditioning can let you know if your current hot water usage is too much for one of these systems, and help you choose the right sized unit to meet your hot water needs.
- Seasonal Problems – Location-wise, tankless water heater systems can be installed pretty much anywhere. However, during the winter months when groundwater sinks to low temperatures, tankless water heaters will work harder and longer to heat your water to the desired temperature, adding wear and tear to the system.
- Initial Costs – Converting from a traditional water heater to a tankless system might initially be a substantial financial investment. Tankless water systems can cost as much as three to four times more than conventional water heaters.
If you are ready to change to a tankless water heater, contact us at Kings Heating and Air Conditioning in Lynnwood, WA to get more information about purchase and installation from our water heater professionals.
