Evidence of indoor plumbing can be found as early as 2500 B.C., and civilization has never looked back. On average, American families currently use over 300 gallons of water at home daily. Replacing your conventional water heater with a tankless model has both advantages and disadvantages that homeowners should carefully consider. Ygrene discusses several of these factors.
1. Water Temperature.
Once cold water is flushed out of your faucet, tankless water heaters provide you with a continuous stream of hot water immediately.
However, one of the most common consumer complaints is that water temperatures aren’t consistent enough. This is usually because the heater isn’t able to send enough hot water to multiple outlets at the same time. In addition, if your faucet is slightly open, a tankless system might not always turn on.
2. The Lifespan of the Water Heater.
A significant advantage of switching to a tankless unit is that they have a much longer lifespan. Conventional water heaters last approximately 10 years, while tankless water heaters can last roughly 20 years.
Because they’re very long-lasting, tankless systems are more expensive than traditional units. A tankless water heater install is also more costly, because of the labor fees involved in the installation of these specialized models.
3. Warranties.
The warranties on tankless water heaters are longer, since the units have a longer lifespan. In fact, warranties may be valid for up to 20 years, and that’s the average lifetime of these models. By performing routine maintenance, you’ll make sure the warranty remains valid, and you’ll also help to prevent visits from an emergency plumber.
That being said, you’ll need to have annual maintenance done and perhaps use a water softener in order to keep the warranty in force. It’s also a good idea to flush your system out yearly to prevent minerals from building up in the water heater. The fees for this type of maintenance might negate the amount saved by switching to a tankless model.
If you’re considering having a tankless water heater install for your home, it’s wise to weigh the pros and cons carefully in order to determine the best solution for your needs. By doing that, you’ll come to a decision you’ll be happy with.