The Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Your water heater is something that protects your home and ensures that you have hot water all year round. Whether you are washing your hands, taking a shower, or cooking, your water heater makes tasks you do every day possible. As a homeowner, you are always looking for ways to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and while your water heater may not be at the top of the list, it should be. If you are thinking about replacing your current water heater, we have an option that would be great for your home. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of tankless water heaters.

Difference Between a Tankless Water Heater and a Traditional One

You may be thinking that a water heater is just a water heater. It does the same job. While the main purpose of it is to heat up water, there are significant differences between these two products. A tankless water heater and a traditional water heater are two very different systems. The key difference between the two is their essential storage and heating methods.

Traditional Water Heaters

They have a storage tank that holds a large amount of water and ensures that it is always heated and ready for use. The water is warmed by a heating element, usually using gas or electricity, and the temperature is regulated by a thermostat. Once all of the water in the tank has been used, this particular heating element turns on and heats the water again as the water tank refills, ensuring hot water is always full within the tank.

Tankless Water Heaters

These advanced water heaters do not have a storage tank. Instead, it heats water when you need it. For example, when you turn on a hot water tap, cold water travels through a pipe and into the unit. The tankless water heater then heats the water using a heating element, either electric or gas, and delivers hot water to the tap. Since the water is not stored in a tank, a tankless water heater provides hot water in an unlimited supply as long as it is being used.

Main Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater

Many older homes have mainly used a traditional hot water tank, and it has been the norm for quite a while. However, it may be time for homeowners like yourself to think about switching over from it and installing a new tankless water heater system. The main advantages of a tankless water heater include the following:

Energy Efficiency

One of the top reasons many homeowners end up switching over is because of their enhanced energy efficiency. Tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it. Therefore, they do not consume an unnecessary amount of energy, heating and maintaining a large tank of water. This will result in lower energy bills and more efficient use of your home’s energy.

An Unlimited Supply of Hot Water

Have you ever been waiting for the shower because the rest of your family went in before you, only to have cold water pouring out of the shower head when it comes to your turn? A tankless water heater will help alleviate this issue. Since a tankless water heater heats water on demand, it provides an unlimited supply of hot water when it’s being used. If you have a large household, this will benefit you.

Space-Saving Design

Those with traditional water heater tanks understand completely the amount of space it can take up. Tankless water heaters are significantly smaller and take up a lot less space. One of the best features of a tankless water heater system is it can easily be mounted on a wall or even hidden within a cabinet.

Longer Life Span

Water heaters are a necessity in every home; however, they are generally a significant expenditure. The last thing you want to be doing is spending hundreds of dollars for constant repairs and eventual replacements. Due to their size and advanced technology, tankless water heaters tend to have a longer lifespan. They can often last up to 20 years or more.

Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater

While a tankless water heater offers several advantages, as we mentioned in detail, like most products, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Here are some of the main cons of tankless water heaters.

1. Initial Cost: These types of water heaters are usually more expensive to purchase and install than a traditional heaters.
2. Limited Flow Rate: They may not be able to provide hot water to more than one tap at the same time. It can be a significant issue to more than one tap at a time.
3. Slow Delivery of Hot Water: In some cases, tankless water heaters may have trouble delivering hot water quickly enough for high-demand situations. These include running multiple taps at once or filling a bathtub.
4. Maintenance Requirements: They require more maintenance when compared to traditional tanks to ensure optimal performance. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the heating elements and replacing filters. If you do not perform regular maintenance, it will lead to decreased efficiency and possible failure of the unit.
5. Complex Installation: Tankless water heaters require professional installation and may require additional plumbing work, which can add to the cost and complexity of the installation process. However, this can be avoided by contacting a trained and certified plumbing technician.
6. Possible Reduction in Water Pressure: A tankless water heater may sometimes reduce water pressure, which can be an issue for homes with low water pressure.

Speak with a Plumber About The Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater

If you are considering a tankless water heater for your home, your best option is to speak with a certified plumbing company to discuss your options. Discover the advantages of a tankless water heater today and contact Arco Plumbing for all of your plumbing needs in the Chicagoland area.

Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by Arco Plumbing Services