Are you considering replacing your water heater? Most people decide to do this when they do not get as hot of water as they used to or when their water heater completely dies. However, there are a few people that may consider replacing their water heater simply because theirs is older and they don’t want to take a chance that it will die mid-shower. It doesn’t really matter why you are considering a new water heater, as long as you choose a new one that will fit your needs.
While there are plenty of traditional water heaters available, you may want to consider purchasing a tankless water heater instead.
Here are the pros and cons of tankless water heaters:
Pros
- Tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional water heaters, so you will find that you have much more room in that area.
- These water heaters will provide an endless supply of hot water, which means that you will get a hot shower even if you are the last one to climb in.
- Tankless water heaters use quite a bit less energy than traditional water heaters, because they do not need to continuously keep the water at a specific temperature.
A tankless water heater will also last much longer than a traditional water heater. Most tankless water heaters will have a warranty on the heat exchanger that is good for twelve to fifteen years.
Cons
- The biggest con of tankless water heaters is that they cost much more than a traditional unit.
- It can be a little more difficult to install a tankless water heater, because they require special venting requirements and they normally need larger gas lines. This additional labor will increase the price that you pay.
- There is a limit as to how much water the tankless water heater can deliver at a time, so you won’t be in the shower for hours each time.
- It can take a tankless water heater a little longer to deliver hot water, because the water needs to heat as it is flowing through the unit.
A tankless water heater is not the best option if you have hard water, because that type of water will destroy the water heater. The worst part is that lime, mineral buildup, and scale is not covered by the warranty.
Every tankless water heater must be flushed regularly to maintain it properly. It can be tricky to choose a water heater, let alone a tankless one. We are here to help you decide what will work for you.
