There is nothing quite like the shock of a rush of cold water when you expect hot water to come out from the showerhead. Equally unpleasant is when the hot water turns tepid or cold right in the middle of your shower. These are some of the inconveniences of a tank-style water heater, and a tankless water heater is a solution, but the tankless water heater is not perfect either. In this article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta, we will go over some of the pros and cons of a tankless water heater before you decide to purchase one. Feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta to schedule an appointment or consultation with a qualified plumber. Let's get started.
How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?
The name is pretty self-explanatory, isn't it? A tankless water heater does not have a massive tank holding tens of gallons of water. Instead, a tankless water heater, also called a demand-type water heater, heats water directly as the water passes through piping in the unit. This means you get a steady stream of hot water as you need it.
These units heat water using either gas or electricity. Because the unit does not have to heat up a massive tank of water, it can be much more energy efficient that the tank-style water heater. While tank-style heaters are limited in capacity by the size of the tank, tankless water heaters deliver a certain number of gallons of hot water per minute. You will have to choose the size of your unit accordingly.
The Pros of a Tankless Water Heater
The first benefit of a tankless water heater is the amount of space it takes up, or rather the amount of space it does not take up. You will not have a big tank taking up a chunk of your basement or garage space.
Second is its longer lifespan. The tankless water heater can last anywhere around, if not more than, twenty years while the traditional water heater only lasts about ten to fifteen years.
That long lifespan comes in handy when you consider the energy-efficiency of tankless water heaters. Because these heaters only heat the water as you need it, they generally use about 30 to 50 percent less energy than their tank-style counterparts. Multiply that savings by the long lifespan and you have a lot of money in the pocket.
Finally, tankless water heaters heat water as you need it. You will not have to wait for a massive tank to heat up or worry about that tank running out.
The Cons of a Tankless Water Heater
Nothing is perfect and neither is a tankless water heater. The main disadvantage of a tankless water heater is its initial cost. They are more expensive and more complicated to install than a traditional water heater.
The other disadvantage is its limitation. This unit is not limited by a tank, but it can only provide a certain number of gallons of hot water per minute. Make sure to get the proper size for your household and leave some wiggle room for the future.
Need A Professional Installation or Replacement?
If you are interested in a tankless water heater installation or replacement, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta to hire a qualified plumber. We are always ready to take your call.