Weighing The Pros And Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters
Posted on: 6 November 2015
Many people evaluate their old home appliances after a few years to determine if they should get an upgrade. In some cases, this just means buying a new model of the same type of appliance. But new technologies make it possible to switch to better and more efficient appliances that serve the same purpose, but in a different way. One such appliance is a tankless water heater. As opposed to traditional tank heaters, these modern alternatives are popping up in households across the country. So when it comes time to replace your old heater, should you go tankless or stick with what you know? Learn about the pros and cons of going tankless below.
PROS
No Wait for Hot Water - Tankless water heaters heat water instantaneously, which means you'll never have to wait very long for hot water during a shower or while washing dishes.
Less Space - If you live in a small condo or home downtown where space is at a minimum, a large water heater is the last thing you want to take up space in your home. Tankless heaters are about the size of a desktop computer. This also means that you won't have to scramble to find a way to hide the monstrously ugly tank heater.
Lower Energy Bills - Once up and running, tankless heaters cost less to run than their older counterparts. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, the initial investment may be worth the long-term savings.
A Green Alternative - Tankless systems last longer than tank heaters, which means you'll replace yours less often. That's one (or many, over a lifetime) clunky water heaters sitting in a landfill. Not to mention, you'll save energy because your water heater won't be heating up water that sits waiting to be used.
CONS
Higher Purchase Cost - While tankless heaters are cheaper to use in the long-run, they can be quite costly to buy. Tankless heaters can cost thousands of dollars initially.
Possible Construction Required - Besides the cost of the actual heater, you will have to pay for installation. If your home is not equipped for a tankless heater, your plumber may suggest construction to get your home prepared for the installation.
When it's time to replace your old tank water heater, think about the pros and cons and how they might affect your specific situation. If you have a large family or need to do heavy construction to install the heater, it might not be for you. Otherwise, the initial investment seems to have more benefits than setbacks.
To learn more, visit a website like http://www.smedleyservice.com.
Share