Water heaters are very important to every household. It is the one appliance that helps you to keep your family safe and comfortable. They heat the water and make it ready for use when you need it. It is important for you to choose the best water heater for your home.
But before you make your decision, it’s important to know what pros and cons come with these systems.
In this article, we’ll be going over everything you need to know about tankless water heaters, their advantages and disadvantages, how they work, and some FAQs related to tankless water heaters.
What are Tankless Water Heaters?
Tankless water heaters are a type of heat pump that provides hot water at the point of use. They heat water directly in the storage tank and provide it as needed without requiring a storage tank. This means you can avoid paying for wasted energy to keep hot water heated in a tank.
The term “tankless” refers to the fact that there is no traditional tank in which hot water is stored. Instead, a tankless unit heats water as soon as it is requested. In this way, it’s similar to an electric kettle: when you turn it on, it heats up right away; when you turn it off, it stops immediately.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are a great choice for many homeowners in Paso Robles, CA.
Although there are various types of tankless water heaters available on the market today, we’re going to focus on two main kinds: electric tankless water heaters and gas tankless water heaters. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages that you should consider when choosing which one is best for your home.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
These are a great option if you’re short on space or want something that’s easy to install. They’re also energy efficient and cost less than gas tankless models.
Gas Tankless Water Heaters
If you have a gas line in your house or would like to have a tankless water heater install, this is likely your best option—gas models are usually more powerful than electric ones, which means they can heat larger amounts of water faster. However, they do cost more upfront and require maintenance down the road.
Major Difference Between Tankless Water Heater Vs. Tank Water Heater
When it comes to water heaters, you have the choice between a tankless water heater and a tanked water heater.
The major difference between the two is that tankless water heater types do not have storage tanks. They instead heat water on-demand, as it is needed. This means they are more efficient than tanked units and can be used in smaller spaces.
However, because they do not store hot water, they have to be turned off while you shower or run the dishwasher so that they don’t overheat and cause damage to your home’s plumbing system. Tanked units can run continuously without damaging anything because they have a large capacity for storing hot water.
Here’s a comparison table to give you better clarity between tankless water heaters vs. tank water heaters:
| Tankless Water Heater | Tank Water Heater | |
| Continuous Hot Water | Yes, on-demand hot water | No, store a set amount of hot water, and it may run out if used excessively. |
| Energy Efficiency | Yes | Less energy efficiency since storage tank water heaters continuously heat and reheat water to maintain a preset temperature, leading to energy wastage. |
| Space Efficiency | Compact and wall-mounted, saving valuable floor space | Require a dedicated space for installation and additional room for ventilation. |
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are the future of hot water.
If you’re not sure why, let us explain:
Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters use less energy than traditional tank-type water heaters because they’re constantly heating water instead of storing it at a single temperature. That means your tankless water heater uses more power when you need it most—when you turn on the faucet for a hot shower—but uses less power when you don’t need it at all.
Endless Hot Water Supply
Tankless water heaters provide endless hot water because they continue to heat water as long as there’s demand for it. That means no more waiting for the tank to refill between showers or taking multiple trips to fill up a bathtub!
Installation Flexibility
Tankless water heaters are easy to install in any location because they don’t require any extra space or plumbing connections like traditional tanks do. And since they’re so compact and portable, tankless water heater installation can be done just about anywhere!
Space Saving
Tankless water heaters are smaller than tank water heaters, so installing one will save you a lot of room in your home. They also consume less energy since they just heat the water you require at the moment rather than heating a complete tank of water.
Longer Lifespan
Tankless water heaters last longer than tank-type water heaters. While tank water heaters typically last around 10-15 years, tankless units can last more than 20 years with proper maintenance services. Because they don’t have to withstand the same amount of wear and tear as a tank-style heater, they last longer before having to be replaced or repaired.
Greater Temperature Control
Tankless water heaters often offer precise temperature control, allowing you to set your desired hot water temperature more accurately. This can be particularly useful for those who prefer specific temperatures for different activities, such as hotter water for showers or cooler water for washing hands.
Reduced Risk of Water Damage
Tankless water heaters are fantastic because they reduce the possibility of water damage from scorching hot water temperatures. They heat the water as it comes through rather than storing and heating it all at once, so you can have the right temperature without worrying about scorching yourself or anybody else.
Lower Maintenance
Tankless water heaters generally require less maintenance compared to traditional tank water heaters. They don’t have a storage tank that can accumulate sediment or develop rust over time. However, periodic flushing and descaling might still be necessary to ensure tankless water heater maintenance optimal performance and prevent mineral buildup.
Environmentally Friendly
Due to their energy efficiency, tankless water heaters contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By consuming less energy, they have a lower carbon footprint compared to tank water heaters, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Cons of Tankless Water Heater
Ah, the tankless water heater. The first time you hear about it, it’s like a dream come true. No more waiting around for your hot water to come out or running out of hot water when you have multiple people in the shower.
But there are some drawbacks to this kind of system, too—and we want to ensure that before you buy one, you know what they are. Here are a few cons of tankless water heaters:
Gas Line or Electrical Upgrades
Many tankless heaters require gas lines or electrical upgrades before installation. This may increase tankless hot water heater installation costs by several hundred dollars or more, depending on your situation. If you already have a gas line installed but need an upgrade to accommodate your new model, this could add thousands of dollars to your total project cost.
Higher Initial Cost
The initial cost of a tankless water heater is typically higher than that of a traditional water heater. This is because tankless heaters require more energy to heat the water at the time it’s needed and also because they don’t have a storage tank to store hot water for future use. However, if you’re not planning to keep your tankless water heater for more than ten years, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Vulnerability to Power Outages
In a power outage, your tankless heater will not operate until the power is restored. This means that you’ll be without hot water for however long it takes for the power to come back on—and if it’s cold out, that could be quite a while!
Maintenance Requirements
Tankless water heaters are not maintenance-free but require less maintenance than conventional tank-style models. Tankless models should be drained and flushed every three to five years. This involves draining them and then flushing out the sediment that has accumulated inside the tank. The frequency of tankless water heater service depends on how much time you spend away from home and whether you live in a region with hard or soft water.
FAQs
Are tankless water heaters more energy-efficient than traditional tank-type water heaters?
Yes, they are. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters because they do not store any hot water. They only heat the water as it is being used, which means no cold spots or wasted energy.
How long do tankless water heaters last?
Well, it depends. Most tankless water heaters have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. However, if you’ve got a tankless water heater that’s older than that and it’s still working, don’t worry! It might be time for a tankless water heater replacement, but there’s no need to toss it out just yet.
How to install a tankless water heater?
If you’re looking to install a tankless water heater, there’s no need to stress! Rocksteady Plumbing will make installation as seamless as possible.
Your home’s new tankless water heater will be installed by a professional plumber from Rocksteady Plumbing. We have over 15 years of experience in the Paso Robles area, so you know you can trust us with your plumbing project.
Our plumbers will do everything from installing your unit to walking you through the process of how to use it. If you have any questions along the way, our team of plumbing experts is always available to answer them.
How often do tankless water heaters need to be maintained?
The frequency of maintenance for tankless water heater depends on how much you use your tankless water heater.
Tankless water heaters are more efficient and do not need to be updated as frequently as traditional versions, but there are certain tankless water heater maintenance services you can try to ensure your unit is performing at its best.
If you don’t use your tankless water heater on a regular basis—for example, if you only need hot water on occasion—you should consider replacing it every five years or so. You might alternatively choose a smaller unit with fewer parts and less maintenance.
Ready to Install Tankless Water Heater?
The idea of being able to heat water on demand is enticing, and the benefits are real: no wasted energy, no standing water in your hot water tank, and more consistent hot water than you can imagine. But what if you’ve been putting off installing one because you’re worried about the cost?
Well, have we got news for you!
Rocksteady Plumbing offers tankless water heater services in Paso Robles at unbeatable prices—and we’ll even pay for all your parts! Our services include:
– Consultation on which system will work best for your home
– Installation of all necessary components and piping
– Testing of the system once installed
Our team has over 15 years of experience in the industry, and we are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and affordable rates. We offer 24/7 emergency services to ensure that we can help you with any plumbing issue you might have at any time of day.
No matter what type of problem you’re having with your plumbing system, we can help! Whether it’s something simple like installing a new sink or toilet or something more complex like repairing leaks or replacing old pipes, we will get it done right the first time!
Call us today at 805-237-7625 to schedule an appointment with our expert plumbers in Paso Robles, CA.
