Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heater

How would you like to have endless hot water for your morning power shower or luxurious late-night soaker tub session, produced by a modern energy efficient, space-saving device? Sounds great, right? Well, a tankless water heater will keep on keeping on, producing hot water whenever you please.

However, tankless heaters are pricier to purchase than traditional tank heaters. The installation cost in some instances may be slightly higher too.

When you balance the extra expenses against the benefits, is a tankless water heater worth it?

What Is A Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater is a device that heats water whenever you want (which is why it is often known as an “on-demand” hot water heater). However, unlike a tank water heater, it does not store heated water in between uses.

Tankless water heaters are available in three different fuel types:

Electric tankless water heater
Natural gas tankless water heater
Propane tankless water heater

Tankless water heater installation may require a professional upgrade of your electrical wiring (especially if your house has only a 200 amp total capacity) or gas line. Propane and natural gas tankless water heaters must be safely vented to remove exhaust and avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?

Switching on the dishwasher or clothes washer — or turning on the faucet for your sink, tub, or shower — activates a flow of cold water through a pipe leading to the water heater.
Depending on the type of tankless water heater, it will heat the completely cold water by means of a burner, electric coil, or heat exchanger.
The heated water is then piped to your location. This may take a few minutes, depending on how close the water heater is to your faucet or bathtub.
The appliance will continue to produce hot water as long as you leave the hot water faucet open.
The flow rate varies from approximately 2 to 5 gallons per minute, depending on the model of tankless unit. In general, electric tankless water heaters heat water more slowly than gas does.

Pros and Cons of a Traditional Tank Water Heater

Pros

Comes with a lower initial cost
Installation is quick and easy
Gas hot water tank will continue to function in a power outage, if operated by a continuous gas pilot light

Cons

Keeping water stored hot wastes energy if it goes unused
There is a wait for hot water if the tank is emptied, and might result in inconsistent water temperatures
Appliance is large and bulky, and takes up a lot of space
Service life is shorter than that of a tankless heater, about 8 – 12 years
A leaky tank may spell disaster for your floors

Pros and Cons of a Tankless Hot Water Heater

Tankless Water Heater Pros

Instant Hot Water: One of the most significant advantages of tankless water heaters is their ability to deliver hot water instantly. Unlike traditional tank-style heaters, there’s no need to wait for a storage tank to fill up and heat the water before use. This feature is particularly beneficial for households with high hot water demands. When you turn the hot water tap on, you have hot water for as long as you need it.
Endless Hot Water: Tankless water heaters provide a continuous hot water supply as long as there is a demand. This is in stark contrast to tank-style heaters, which can run out of hot water after the stored supply is depleted. No matter how much hot water your household requires, and no matter your desired temperature, a tankless hot water system can provide it.
Energy Efficient: Tankless water heaters are renowned for their energy efficiency. They only heat water when it’s needed, eliminating standby heat loss that occurs in traditional tank-style heaters. This efficiency can save money and energy over time, resulting in lower energy costs.
Longer Lifespan: Tankless water heaters typically have a longer lifespan compared to traditional models. While tank-style heaters may last around 10-15 years, tankless units can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. This longevity can contribute to a better return on investment over the long term.
More Space Efficient: Tankless water heaters are compact and wall-mounted, saving valuable floor space. This is especially advantageous for smaller homes or properties where space is at a premium. The absence of a bulky storage tank allows for greater flexibility in installation locations.
Space Savings: The compact design of tankless water heaters not only contributes to space efficiency but also allows for creative installation options. They can be mounted in various locations, such as closets, utility rooms, or even outdoors, freeing up additional space for other purposes.

Tankless Water Heater Cons

Tankless Water Heaters Cost More Upfront: One of the main drawbacks of tankless water heaters is their high upfront cost. The initial investment to install tankless water heaters can be significantly more than that of a traditional tank-style water heater. However, it’s important to consider the long-term energy savings and extended lifespan when evaluating the overall cost-effectiveness.
Home Maintenance: Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes flushing the system to remove mineral deposits that can accumulate over time. While maintenance is crucial for preserving efficiency and preventing issues, some homeowners may find it an additional task compared to the more hands-off nature of traditional water heaters.
Unit Cost: The cost of a single tankless water heater unit is higher than that of a traditional water heater. Additionally, installation costs may be higher, especially if modifications are needed to accommodate the new system. While the overall energy savings may offset these costs in the long run, the higher initial expense can be a barrier for some homeowners.

Cut Costs By Renting

We’ll let you in on a little secret – you can avoid tankless water heater purchase costs by renting one instead, with low monthly payments through your Enbridge bill. Save even more when you take advantage of our “One Month Free” promotion.