The primary downside of a tankless water heater is their relatively high cost—both for purchase and installation. Depending on the power source you choose and the size of the unit you need, tankless water heaters can cost up to several times more than traditional water heaters.
Additionally, the installation process can also be more costly and complex.
Another downside of tankless water heaters is their potential need for increased water pressure. If you want your tankless water heater to operate optimally, you may need to invest in a water booster pump, which can increase the initial cost of installation.
Additionally, tankless water heaters can be limited in terms of their flow rate. Depending on the model, a typical tankless water heater can produce up to two to five gallons of hot water per minute—which is far less than what a traditional water heater is capable of producing per minute.
As a result, you may find yourself running out of hot water more quickly with a tankless heater.
Finally, tankless water heaters require more maintenance over time than traditional water heaters. This includes flushing the unit regularly, which helps clear out buildup of sediment in the system. Not performing regular maintenance on your tankless water heater may eventually lead to problems and costly repairs.
Do tankless water heaters use a lot of electricity?
Tankless water heaters can be an efficient way to heat water, but the amount of electricity they use depends on several factors. The size and power of the unit, the age of the unit, and the temperature of the incoming water all contribute to how much electricity the unit utilizes.
Generally speaking, tankless water heaters will use more electricity than traditional storage tank water heaters, but if properly sized and maintained, tankless water heaters can offer significant cost and energy savings.
If upgrading to a tankless unit, an average household can expect the running cost to increase by 15-20%. However, the increased cost is offset by the energy savings offered by the on-demand efficiency of the tankless unit.
Do tankless water heaters need to be flushed every year?
Yes, it is beneficial to flush tankless water heaters every year, especially hard water models, in order to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. During the flushing process, sediment and any other contaminants that have built up inside the water heater are eliminated, which helps prevent corrosion or other buildup within the system.
This also extends the life of the heater, minimizing the need for costly repair or replacement.
When flushing a tankless water heater, it is important to use properly rated anti-scale chemicals to ensure that all contaminants are flushed out. In addition, it is important to keep an eye on the water pressure to make sure it remains stable during the flushing process.
Lastly, it is important to follow all recommended settings for the flushing, as instructed by the manufacturer, in order to ensure all instructions are properly followed.
Why do tankless water heaters burst?
Tankless water heaters can burst due to several different causes. When the water pressure that enters the water heater is too high, it can cause the unit to explode, releasing a large amount of scalding hot water.
In addition, if the unit is not properly maintained and regularly serviced, mineral deposits can form and cause pressure to build up in the water heater. This pressure can eventually cause the tank to burst.
It’s important to make sure your tankless water heater is regularly serviced and maintained to keep it functioning properly and avoid the risk of it bursting. You should also check for signs of excessive pressure, such as high water pressure coming out of faucets, and contact a professional to check the unit if needed.
Can bacteria grow in tankless water heater?
Yes, it is possible for bacteria to grow in tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters are well suited to prevent bacterial growth in normal operation, however bacteria can still grow in various places inside the unit due to warm and humid conditions.
Scaling and biofilm buildup can cause an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive in tankless water heaters. This includes bacteria such as Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease when inhaled.
While the risk of Legionnaires’ disease is low, it is recommended to have your tankless water heater inspected annually by a professional to ensure proper operation and to prevent potential bacterial growth.
Is a tankless water heater better than a regular water heater?
When it comes to deciding between a tankless water heater and a regular water heater, there are many factors to consider. Tankless water heaters are compromised of a unit that heats water on demand, meaning the water is heated as it is needed and is not stored in a tank.
This allows for a higher efficiency and potentially lower energy bills. Additionally, tankless water heaters are smaller in size and allow for more flexibility in the placement of the unit, since it does not require a dedicated space like regular water heaters do.
On the other hand, tankless water heaters are significantly more expensive than regular water heaters and also require additional hardware and installation costs. Additionally, due to their on-demand heating system, they cannot provide much hot water at a single time, meaning they may not be able to cope with a high-demand environment.
Ultimately, the decision between a tankless water heater and a regular water heater depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for convenience and energy-efficiency, a tankless water heater is likely a better option.
However, if you’re looking for an affordable, reliable solution with higher demand capabilities, a regular water heater is probably a better choice.
Can you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater?
Yes, it is possible to run out of hot water with a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters have a finite capacity for heating hot water and can only provide a certain volume at a time. This means if many people are trying to use hot water at once in homes with tankless water heaters, it is possible for the hot water to be depleted before everyone can use what they need.
The lifespan of tankless water heaters, compared to tank water heaters, is longer, however, they cannot provide unlimited hot water, so it is still possible to run out of hot water with them.
How long does it take to replace a water heater with a tankless water heater?
Replacing a traditional water tank with a tankless water heater can be a time-consuming project, depending on the specific demands of the home. There are four primary steps to installing a tankless water heater: adjusting to the new fuel source, selecting a model that fits the home, ensuring proper ventilation, and connecting all necessary components.
The length of time it takes to complete these steps varies depending on the complexity of the project, the desired appliance model, and the skill level of the technician. Generally, the process can take anywhere from three to five hours; however, it can take up to eight hours to complete the replacement if a more involved installation is required.
Before beginning the installation, the technicians must evaluate the fuel type, proper ventilation of the appliance, different models that may fit, and the overall cost of the job. This initial evaluation can take up to two hours before any actual work can begin.
From there, the old water tank must be removed and the plumbing may need to be reconfigured to fit the new tankless water heater. After installation and preparation, the technicians will configure and test the new water heater for optimal performance.
This process can take anywhere from one to four hours depending on the size of the appliance and the complexity of the project.
Finally, the technicians may need to adjust existing components such as gas lines and flues before their job is complete. This part of the process is often the most involved and can take up to two hours to finish.
Altogether, installing a tankless water heater can take anywhere from three to eight hours depending on the complexity of the project.
Do you have to rewire your house for a tankless water heater?
Whether rewiring is required for a tankless water heater installation depends on the specific model of water heater and the existing wiring in the house. If the existing wiring does not meet the electrical requirements of the new Tankless water heater, then the wiring must be upgraded.
Additionally, some Tankless water heaters require a dedicated circuit, so if no such circuit is available, the wiring must be upgraded.
Before installing a tankless water heater, a knowledgeable professional should be consulted to ensure that the existing wiring is capable of safely handling the electrical stresses associated with the heater.
If the existing wiring is inadequate, then the wiring must be rewired or upgraded. If the wiring is adequate then the installation can proceed without rewiring.
Is a tankless water heater worth the extra money?
Whether a tankless water heater is worth the extra money depends on several factors. If you have a large household, the additional costs associated with installing a tankless water heater may easily be outweighed by the energy savings you can achieve.
Tankless water heaters are a great choice if you’re looking to invest in a more energy-efficient water heating system. Tankless water heaters also require less storage space than conventional storage tank water heaters, providing a space-saving benefit in areas with limited storage space.
Additionally, when properly maintained, tankless water heaters have the potential to last much longer than storage tank models, which makes them a good investment for the long-term. However, since tankless water heaters require a larger initial investment, it may not be the best option for households on a tighter budget.
Ultimately, whether a tankless water heater is worth the extra money depends on your budget, the size of your household, and your ultimate goals for energy savings and space savings.
How much money will a tankless water heater save?
The amount of money a tankless water heater will save is contingent on a variety of factors, such as heater type, size, and location. In general, a tankless water heater will use less energy than a comparable tank of the same size.
As such, it will cost less to operate, typically about 20% less than a storage tank type water heater according to The Home Depot. Additionally, tankless water heaters typically last twice as long as storage water heaters.
Some models can last up to 20 years, compared to the lifespan of a storage unit, which is around 10 years. Furthermore, hot water at the point of use with a tankless water heater prevents the need for a hot water storage tank which will save space, and potentially more energy and money.
Depending on the amount of hot water used, you may see an annual savings of 10%-30% on your utilities. Ultimately, there are many advantages of installing a tankless water heater, and the amount you can save will depend on your individual usage and needs.
Will a tankless water heater lower my gas bill?
Yes, a tankless water heater can lower your gas bill. Tankless water heaters are designed to provide hot water on demand, meaning that only the water you need is heated. This can be more efficient than storing a large tank of hot water, which is heated and cooled continuously.
With a tankless water heater, only the water used is heated, meaning less fuel is used to heat water. Additionally, the average lifespan of a tankless water heater can be 20 years or more (compared to 10-15 years with traditional water heaters) due to their lack of a tank that can corrode over time.
In addition, because tankless water heaters have no storage tank, they take up less space and can be installed more easily in cramped areas. When shopping for a tankless water heater, it’s also important to consider the Energy Star rating.
A tankless water heater with an Energy Star rating will be more efficient than one without, helping lower your gas bill even more.
Are tankless water systems worth it?
Yes, tankless water systems are worth the investment. Tankless water heaters are more efficient, lasting up to 20 years or more, compared to standard water heaters which usually last between 6-10 years.
Tankless water heaters also save you money on your energy bills, since they only heat the water when you need it, and not continuously like conventional water heaters. They require less space since they don’t have the bulky storage tanks, making them better suited to small apartments or homes.
Finally, they provide an endless supply of hot water so you never have to wait for a big tank to refill. Overall, tankless water systems are a worthwhile investment since they offer significant savings and increased efficiency.
Which water heater company is best?
The best water heater company really depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some companies specialize in certain types of water heaters, while others may offer more options. Additionally, you should consider factors such as pricing, installation, and warranty options when selecting a water heater company.
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable water heater for your home, Rheem may be a good choice. Rheem is one of the leading water heater companies and is a trusted name in the HVAC industry.
They offer tank and tankless water heaters in a variety of sizes and models and have a great selection of energy-efficient models.
A. O. Smith is another popular water heater company that offers a wide range of residential and commercial water heaters. They have an extensive line of tank and tankless water heaters, which are among the most popular models on the market.
Also, A. O. Smith’s customer service is highly rated, making it a great choice for those looking for installation help.
Bradford White is a company that is highly regarded for their commercial water heaters, but they also manufacture residential models. Their water heaters are made to last and are some of the most efficient models on the market.
Whichever water heater company you choose, be sure to do your research first. Consider factors such as price, warranty options, installation costs, and energy efficiency ratings to ensure that you are getting the best product for your money.