Learn more about the pros and cons of tankless water heaters for your home

With the average water heater lasting around 10-15 years, the time will eventually come to consider a replacement for your existing unit. In recent years, many homeowners are weighing the pros and cons of tankless water heaters and opting for these devices over traditional water heaters. However, the choice isn’t always clear-cut.

At 212 Plumbing, we’ve provided expert installation of water heaters for years, including tankless models and everything in between. Tankless water heaters certainly offer unique benefits over other types, but it’s important to weigh the decision carefully before installing one in your home. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of tankless water heaters.

What are the advantages of tankless water heaters?

Rather than repeatedly heating and reheating water, as with traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters provide virtually instant hot water through high-powered heating elements. This provides several advantages compared to standard water heaters, including:

Greater convenience

Generally, tankless water heaters will provide hot water much more quickly than their traditional counterparts. This means you’ll spend less time (and waste less water) waiting for the water from your tap or shower to get hot. Near-instant hot water is one of the major benefits of going tankless.

Lower monthly costs

Because they heat water much faster, tankless water heaters are typically more efficient in terms of energy and water usage. This can save you money every month on utilities. In particular, tankless water heaters provide excellent cost savings if you live in an area where water bills tend to be more expensive.

Extended lifespan

Your typical water heater will last around a decade, or potentially up to 15 years. However, tankless units provide greater longevity. A newly installed tankless water heater is expected to last for at least 20 years or longer, meaning those month-to-month savings will have even more time to add up in the long run.

What are the disadvantages of tankless water heaters?

Along with the pros, tankless water heaters also have cons. Some of the main downsides include higher installation costs, more unreliable temperatures, and maintenance needs. Let’s take a look at each of these:

Inconsistent temperatures

While tankless water heaters provide instant hot water, one of the main criticisms of these units is that the temperature can vary. The reason for this is that tankless water heaters have a harder time sending hot water to multiple places at once. In other words, if someone’s in the shower or your dishwasher is running, you may have a hard time getting reliable hot water elsewhere in your home at the same time.

Higher upfront costs

Tankless water heaters offer definite cost-saving benefits, but these benefits take time to accumulate. Meanwhile, in the short term, these units are more expensive in terms of initial costs. Tankless water heaters cost more than their traditional counterparts, while installation also tends to be more expensive. This makes going tankless a better long-term vs. short-term investment.

Additional equipment needs

Tankless water heaters provide more efficient heating, but in order to operate properly, they often can’t operate alone. In addition to the water heater itself, it may be necessary to install a water softener in your home as well. This can add to the initial cost of installing a tankless water heater while negating any space-saving benefits they might otherwise offer.

212 Plumbing Can Help You Weight the Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters!

When it comes to deciding on the right water heater, every home and homeowner has their own needs and priorities. Tankless water heaters provide excellent convenience and efficiency, but the upfront cost may be more than you’re looking to invest at the moment. In the end, a reliable plumbing expert can help you weigh your options and make an informed decision.

212 Plumbing is your go-to expert for water heater installation throughout Colorado’s Front Range. We install both tankless and traditional water heaters, and we have the experience and expertise to help you make the right decision for your needs. If you’re looking to install a new water heater in your home, 212 Plumbing can help! Contact us today to get started.