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Advantages and Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters

Advantages and disadvantages of tankless water heaters

For many Encinitas homeowners, water heaters are necessary household appliances, but they can often be ignored. Proper maintenance might not be carried out as often as it should, necessitating the installations of new water heaters, such as tankless water heaters. Signs of an aging water heater include rust, water stains, and seepage, and if you notice any of these indicators, schedule a water heater installation, and consider switching to a tankless water heater.

Reach out to Tankless R Us, your local Encinitas tankless water heater company, if you'd like trained professionals to examine the condition of your water heater and determine if the installation of a tankless water heater would be a good option for you.

How Can Your Encinitas Home Benefit from a Tankless Water Heater?

Encinitas homeowners enjoy their tankless water heaters for many reasons, including the following:

  • Reduced Energy Costs - Your tankless water heater will remain idle until hot water is required in your household, and this decreased energy consumption results in lower energy bills.
  • Increased Longevity of Unit - Tankless water heaters tend to last longer than tank-type water heaters. The average life span of a tank-type water heater is 10 to 15 years while the average life span of a tankless model is around 20 years.
  • Limitless Hot Water Supply - Tankless water heaters don't operate by storing water and heating it up, so there is virtually no waiting time when using hot water in your home. Depending on the size of your unit, you should be able to use multiple hot water appliances at once.
  • Safety - Tankless water heaters won't cause water damage because they don't have tanks full of water. They also won't harbor Legionella bacteria, tip over in an earthquake, or pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Compact Size - A tankless water heater is significantly smaller than a tank-type model, and it can even be mounted on a wall or on the back of a closet or cabinet.
  • Increased Home Value - Many potential buyers of your home will view the presence of a tankless water heater as an asset.

What Are the Setbacks of Tankless Water Heaters?

While the advantages of owning tankless water heaters are numerous, homeowners should keep the following disadvantages in mind before they schedule a tankless water heater installation:

  • Up-Front Cost - Although tankless water heaters can provide significant cost savings over time, the initial cost of the unit is often more expensive than tank models.
  • Cost of Installation - Because your tankless water heater should be installed by a skilled professional, you should include the cost of installation in your budget for a new water heater.
  • Sensitivity to Slow Water Flow - Tankless water heaters are prone to shutting off automatically if scale buildup or clogging in plumbing systems hinders water flow to around 0.3 gpm, or gallons per minute.
  • Limitations of Smaller Units - Small tankless water heater units are known to struggle to produce enough hot water for multiple appliances at the same time, such as shower faucets and dishwashers.