The Pros & Cons of Having a Tankless Water Heater

If you are interested in alternate heating sources, chances are, you have considered a tankless water heater. After all, like many of the alternative heating solutions, tankless water heaters are touted as a great option. But are they really right for you? If you are still trying to determine what type of alternative energy system is best for your home then consider these pros and cons of a tankless water heater.
Advantages of the Tankless Water Heater:

• You have unlimited hot water. Since the water is heated while passing through the system you don't have to worry about the tank getting emptied. However, flow rate is determined by how much hot water can be produced without letting up.
• Tankless hot water heaters require less space. They can be mounted on a wall or internally in a building's structure.
• There is less risk of water damage. Because water is stored in a tank then you don't have to worry about leaks or ruptures. However, it is imperative that the lines to the tank are properly and correctly secured and mounted so be sure to have a tankless water heater professionally installed.
• You have consistency of the water's pressure and temperature. You will need to talk the installer to ensure that the unit is set according to your needs and preferences, though. Regarding the temperature, like a traditional water heater, the tankless system is inversely proportional to the rate of the water flow- the faster the flow the less time the water spends being heated.
• Tankless water systems are not dependent on the water pressure that is going to the shower, faucet or other location. Unlike an underground system which often has lines that require the water to go against gravity to get to a location, a tankless system is not affected by gravitational challenges so the system does not have to work as hard to "transport" the water thus saving you money.

Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater:

• Hot Water! When you turn on the faucet in a home that has a tankless water heater, be prepared for scalding hot water. You will need to turn the hot water incrementally-especially for bathing or dishwashing.
• The cost of installation is high-especially if it is done after the home is built- and it can take as much as 10 years for the installation cost to be offset by the usage costs. In addition, it can be necessary to change over the valves, voltages, BTU and other aspects of an existing water heating system.
• It can be difficult to get cooler temperature water as there is sometimes a gap between the cold water and hot water system.
• A tankless water system is not always compatible with recirculation systems as the tankless water heaters are inactive when not in use and to be implemented to work with convection based systems will use more energy and defeat the purpose of having a tankless system.

Contact Northern Air Plumbing & Heating to receive a free plumbing & heating estimate.

Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Northern Air Plumbing & Heating. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.