Is a Tankless Water Heater the Better Choice?

This is a question we get a lot from homeowners quite a bit. When you find out you need a new water heater, you usually have a little time to consider your options, and tankless water heaters are something you’ve likely heard a lot about.

Tankless water heaters are energy efficient, and offer a couple of other benefits for many homeowners as well. But are they right for everyone? It may surprise you to hear our advice.

Why Tankless May Be the Right Choice

Tankless water heaters may be up to 34% more efficient than standard tank water heaters, according the Department of Energy. This is because there is no standby energy loss associated with their usage.

Normally, a water heater is a large tank of hot water, which means the heat must be on at all times. Although some water heaters have a timer option, which keeps the hot water off at certain times of night, this isn’t practical for all homes. For the most part, a lot of energy is wasted throughout the day. The tank stays hot, but you really only use hot water a handful of times throughout the day.

Tankless water heaters are also called on-demand water heaters, meaning they only heat up the water right when you need it. The unit shuts off right after, which means energy is not wasted in the process.

There are other benefits to an on-demand water heater. It’s a lot smaller, which means it takes up less space. This gives you room to keep it wherever you need it, and might even give you room for storage. Plus, tankless water heaters sometimes last longer than tank water heaters.

…And Why It May Not

On the other hand, tankless water heaters take a long time to heat water. This is especially true if the water heater unit is located far away from the faucet you are using. While tank water heaters keep hot water available at all times, tankless water heaters can take a while to heat up. You may have to wait to step into the shower, and you might be caught by surprise by cold water when you wash your hands.

Sometimes, you need more than one tankless unit in a home, and the cost can add up. While tankless water heater installation costs are typically offset by the long-term savings, that may not be your priority.

Which Option Is Better?

The fact of the matter is that tankless water heaters cost more upfront. This is a major consideration for many, and it makes sense that a lot of our customers decide to go with a conventional gas tank water heater after all.

We encourage you to consider the energy savings and environmental benefits of using a tankless water heater. However, tank water heaters also deliver heat faster and may be more reliable and consistent. The easiest way to make a decision is to call a local technician for help.

Mark Lindsay and Son Plumbing & Heating Inc offers water heater installation and service in Clifton, NJ. Call our friendly technicians today.