Standard tank based water heaters keep water hot by heating and reheating water on a nonstop loop. Tankless heaters, on the other hand, produce warm water on demand using gas burners. Due to their constant operation, standard heaters consume more energy than the tankless counterpart. Getting rid of your storage tank can also increase the efficiency of your system by 15%.
There’s a good chance that a tankless water heater might be right for your home. However, these are only recommended in certain situations. We encourage you to closely examine the pros and cons below before committing to a tankless system.
The Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
- Instant access to hot water. With a tankless water heater, you can take a shower that stays hot no matter how long you take. This is due to the fact that it heats water on-demand using natural gas/propane. They still need to be sized based on your usage, but for the most part, they provide reliable, long-lasting and fast access to hot water.
- Lower costs over time. Tankless water heaters are more efficient than standard water heaters because there is no heat loss during storage. This saves homeowners money and reduces energy usage in the long run.
- Save space in your home. This system is ideal for smaller homes. Unlike massive water storage tanks, tankless heaters are mounted to the wall. They are a fraction of the size of a normal tank and can be installed in a closet-sized space.
- They last a long time. Standard water heaters tend to last for about ten years. This may seem like a long time, but tankless heaters can last twice as long. By choosing a system with a longer lifespan, you’ll save money that would be spent on a replacement.
The Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
- Larger initial investment. A tankless water heater is a costly investment at first. Most of these systems start at about $1,000 compared to $500 for a standard heater. Adding gas, or upgrading gas supply and venting can also add to this initial expense.
- Limited Volume. Tankless heaters have a fixed capacity to heat water and will limit flow to ensure an adequate temperature rise . This may prevent use to several outlets at the same time. If multiple people are showering or using water at the same time, you may experience reduced volumes. With that being said, installing multiple units (or limiting your usage) should fix this issue.
- Costly installations. This type of system requires natural gas or propane to function (there are electric versions, but these have not been effective in Maryland due to the large temperature rise required). For this reason, installation can be pricey. A technician may have to reroute a gas line or install a new vent during the process.
- The cold water sandwich. When you turn on a hot water tap and turn it off again quickly, you may experience something called “the cold water sandwich.” This means you’ll feel a rush of cold water before it turns hot again. This isn’t a serious inconvenience, but it can take some getting used to.
How Can You Know if a Tankless Water Heater is Right for Your Home?
Tankless water heaters are perfect for those who run out of hot water. However, proper sizing is required to make sure if you’re going to run your dishwasher, laundry and shower at the same time, you have enough supply to meet your demand.
At Hague Quality Water, we can help you decide if a tankless water is right for your family. Should you choose to purchase one, we can also assist you with repairs. In addition, if you’re ever concerned about water quality, we can perform a test to identify any contaminants in your supply. Reach out to us to learn more about testing, treatment solutions, and more.
Learn More about Tankless Water Heaters by Partnering with Hague Quality Water of Maryland
If you are concerned about the overall quality and contents of your water, or you’d like to learn more about tankless water heaters, we are here to help. Whether you need heating systems, water treatment systems, or additional filtration beyond that, our team cares deeply about the health and safety of your family. For additional assistance regarding tankless water heaters, call Hague Quality Water of Maryland at (410) 881-3638.
