Tankless Water Heaters Pros and Cons

If you have a storage tank water heater that’s due for replacement and you’re thinking about switching to a tankless water heater, it’s a good time to learn more about the pros and cons. The first advantage of going tankless is the flexibility it gives you, which includes a choice of electric and gas-fired models, and a range of sizes from smaller units that can serve a single bathroom, to higher-capacity whole-house units that can supply enough hot water for three simultaneous showers.

Additional Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters

When you switch to on-demand hot water heating, you’ll reap some additional benefits too:

• Lower energy consumption. Because there’s no large tank attached that cycles on and off to keep gallons of water hot and readily available, you’ll notice some appreciable savings on your energy bills.
• Greater reliability. On average, storage tank units have a service life of roughly 10–13 years, and as they age, there’s a greater risk of that the tank may fail and cause costly water damage. In comparison, tankless models typically have a lifespan of about 20 years, and there’s zero possibility of a catastrophic tank failure.
• Added convenience. In the mornings and at other times of peak hot water usage, it’s an inconvenience to run out and have to wait for a full tank to heat up. When you match the size of a new tankless model to your household needs, you’ll have a continuous on-demand supply of hot water and never run out again.
• Easier placement. Because tankless water heaters are so compact, the only limitations on where you can have one installed are the necessity of venting and accessing your home’s gas line.

Potential Negatives of Tankless Water Heaters

Cost is the biggest downside of going tankless, because these units may be two–three times the price of traditional storage tank water heaters. For many homeowners, the convenience, reliability and energy savings they gain make the extra upfront cost worthwhile.

For expert advice about whether a tankless water heater is the ideal choice for your Middletown home, contact us at C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about tankless water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 845-367-4482.

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