10 Pros & Cons of Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heaters 

Tankless water heaters are now becoming increasingly popular among homes due to their energy efficiency and space-saving design. Tankless water heaters heat water as it passes through the device, unlike typical tank-style water heaters, which store and heat a significant volume of water in a tank.

How Do They Work?

Tankless water heaters utilise electricity or gas to heat water as it runs via a heat exchanger inside the unit. When you turn on a hot water faucet, cold water travels through the device and is swiftly heated to the proper temperature before being delivered to the faucet or shower. The machine shuts off automatically when the hot water tap is turned off. 

Top 10 Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater

1. Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters utilise less energy than traditional water heaters. This is because they only heat water when required and utilise less energy, lowering electricity expenses.

2. Unlimited Hot Water

Tankless water heaters provide an unlimited hot water supply, so you won't run out of hot water even if multiple people take showers simultaneously.

Check this related article out: How to Repair a Leaking Shower

3. Space Saving

Tankless water heaters are smaller than traditional water heaters, so they take up less space in your home.

4. Longer Lifespan

Tankless water heaters last longer and require fewer repairs than standard water heaters.

5. Improved Water Quality

Tankless water heaters don't store water like traditional water heaters, which can lead to sediment build-up and rust. This means the water quality is improved, and contaminants are less likely to enter your water supply.

6. Reduced Risk of Water Damage

Tankless water heaters don't have a storage tank, which reduces the risk of leaks and water damage to your home.

7. Easy to Maintain

Tankless water heaters are easy to maintain as they don't have a storage tank that needs to be drained and cleaned regularly.

8. Flexible Installation

Tankless water heaters can be installed in various locations, including closets, attics, and outside.

9. Eco-Friendly

Tankless water heaters are eco-friendly as they use less energy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps to protect the environment.

10. Cost Savings

While the initial cost of a tankless water heater may be higher than a traditional water heater, the energy savings over time can make up for the difference, resulting in cost savings over the unit's life.

Top 10 Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater

1. Higher Upfront Cost

The initial cost is more than a typical water heater, making it a substantial household investment.

2. Complicated Installation

Tankless water heaters require professional installation, which can be more complicated and costly than traditional water heaters.

3. Limited Hot Water Output

Although tankless water heaters can provide an unlimited hot water supply, their output is still limited by size and capacity.

4. Fluctuating Water Temperatures

Tankless water heaters can sometimes produce fluctuating water temperatures, primarily if multiple fixtures are used simultaneously.

5. Higher Maintenance Costs

While tankless water heaters require less maintenance than traditional water heaters, they can be more expensive to service and repair when issues arise.

6. Electrical And Gas Requirements

Tankless water heaters often require a higher electrical or gas service to operate, which can lead to additional installation costs.

7. Delayed Hot Water Delivery

Tankless water heaters may take longer to deliver hot water than traditional water heaters, mainly if the unit is located far from the point of use.

8. Cold Weather Issues

In areas with freezing climates, tankless water heaters may struggle to provide enough hot water, leading to a less-than-optimal user experience.

Check this article out: 3 Common Plumbing Issues on Winter & How to Prevent Them

9. Limited Options for Retrofitting

If you're replacing a traditional water heater with a tankless unit, you may have limited options for retrofitting the new unit into your existing plumbing system.

10. Less Familiarity Among Professionals

Tankless water heaters are still relatively new compared to traditional water heaters, so some plumbers and contractors may not have as much experience with their installation and maintenance.

Is a Tankless Water Heater A Good Fit for Your Home?

Whether a tankless water heater is right depends on your household's hot water usage and energy efficiency goals. A tankless water heater may be a good option for a small household or a low hot water demand. Traditional tank-style water heaters may be more suitable if you have an enormous household or a high hot water demand. Consult with a licensed plumber before deciding.

Get Professional Help

Mains Plumbers offers plumbing services, including gas fitting, drain laying, and emergency plumbing in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. Servicing the Middlemarch, Dunback, and Palmerston area, we can travel to wherever you need us. Our team can work closely with other tirades you may have on a job site, ensuring no time is lost to miscommunications. No matter your plumbing needs, the Main Plumbers team can help you work out a plan!