It’s no surprise that water heaters are essential to every household. That’s how we get our hot water, right? Although water heaters are a necessity, it can be difficult choosing between a tankless versus a standard tank water heater. There is no right or wrong option, but depending on the needs of you and your household, you’ll definitely want to have some general knowledge on each type of water heater before making your decision.
If you’re considering having a tankless water heater installed in your home, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we’re going to be sharing some of the main things to consider before making your decision. Keep reading to learn more!
Should I Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters, just like their name, do not have a tank that holds the water the way standard tank water heaters do. With tankless water heaters, they heat the water as needed, instead of heating the water in advance. Essentially, as soon as you turn on the shower or faucet, the water will then be heated to the desired temperature, meaning energy is only being used when a tap is turned on.
Here are some of the main things you want to keep in mind before you install a tankless water heater:
Upfront Cost
When it comes to initial installation, tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost compared to standard tank water heaters. Depending on the type of tankless water heater, gas or electric, there are different installation requirements that need to be met, which might call for some upgrades in your gas supply or electrical system.
While a standard tank water heater can cost up to $1,000 for installation and equipment, a tankless water heater can cost more than that just for the equipment. If staying within a certain budget is something you’re focused on for your next water heater, it’s important to keep in mind that tankless water heaters are on the pricier side for initial installation.
Long-Term Energy & Money Savings
Yes, tankless water heaters might be more costly upfront, but you will actually save money in the long run because of their energy efficiency. If you think about it, water heaters consume a majority of the energy used in a common household because of how often hot water is needed. Since tankless water heaters heat the water on demand, you are saving energy until the hot water is warranted. Tankless water heaters can save many households up to $100 a year on their energy bills.
Lifespan
On average, a standard tank water heater can last up to 15 years, while a tankless water heater can last between 20 to 30 years. Additionally, tankless water heaters require less maintenance than tank models and there is a much higher risk of flooding with tank models. Typically, if a tank water heater malfunctions, there is a possibility of flooding in your home due to the amount of water a tank model holds. With tankless water heaters, you don’t have to worry about flooding or water damage in the event the unit malfunctions.
Space Savings
Tankless water heaters are much smaller than tank models, so they can usually be installed on a wall, which is much more convenient for anyone who lives in a smaller space. Tank models on the other hand, take up much more floor space because of the size of their tank, and are usually stored in basements.
Hot Water Demand
It’s important to keep in mind that with tankless water heaters, they heat the water on demand, so if multiple fixtures are running at the same time, some water might be warmer than the other. For example, if your dishwasher and washing machine are running at the same time as someone showers, the water in the shower might not be as warm due to high demand.
With tank models, they store the hot water so it’s available for use right when you need it, but there is only a certain amount of water stored in the tank. If multiple people are showering at the same time the dishwasher is running, someone might have to wait for hot water in the event it runs out.
If you’ve been considering installing a tankless water heater in your home, our team at Bartlett & Steadman is here to help! Give us a call today at (781) 365-5828 or fill out our online contact form for more information.