As the name suggests, tankless water heaters (also known as on-demand, inline, flash, or instantaneous continuous-flow water heaters) do not have a tank to store water. Instead, they instantly heat water as it flows through them. With a tankless water heater, you get hot water only when it is necessary.
Though tankless water heaters have many advantages over their conventional counterparts with storage tanks, they aren’t right for every home.
To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the benefits and drawbacks of tankless water heaters. Before you buy one, evaluate its pros and cons to determine if it is the right choice for your home.
If you aren’t sure which is the appropriate fit for your home, contact an expert water heater company in Santa Rosa.
Advantages
Energy-efficient
Tankless water heaters are 8-34% more energy-efficient than water heaters with a storage tank. Unlike traditional water heaters that store water in their storage tank, tankless water heaters heat only as much water is required, when it is needed.
Traditional water heaters store water and tend to use more energy to maintain the temperature. In contrast, tankless water heaters do not store water, eliminating standby energy loss.
Save Space
Thanks to their storage tanks, traditional water heaters are bulky. On the other hand, tankless water heaters have a compact design. They can be mounted on a wall and take up less room than tank water heaters.
Long Lifespan
A tankless water heater lasts anywhere between 15-20 years. In comparison, a traditional tank heater typically lasts 10 years or less. Usually, the warranty on tankless heaters is longer than tank water heaters.
Shortcomings
High Cost
Tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost than traditional water heaters. The cost of a water heater will primarily depend on the model and type of fuel. Though the price is an important factor to consider when buying a tankless water heater, the decision should not be made based solely on the water heater’s price.
Though a tankless water heater will cost you more upfront, it will help save more on heating costs. With a tankless water heater, you will spend less on water heater repair in Santa Rosa. Consider whether the benefits of your chosen tankless water heater outweigh its price.
Inconsistent Water Temperature
The problem results from the inability of water heaters to send enough hot water to multiple outlets at the same time. When buying a water heater, check its flow rate – defined as a water heater’s ability to heat water per minute. If you use multiple showers, appliances, or taps and your usage exceeds your heater’s flow rate, the water won’t be hot.
Redwood Sewer & Drain is committed to helping Santa Rosa homeowners make informed decisions when evaluating the status of their water heater. We are your go-to team for water heater installation and repair. Whether your water heater is not heating properly or not working at all, we can help. To schedule a tune-up, call (707) 393-1959.