Are You Ready to go Tankless?
Are you ready to go tankless? There are some things to consider!
Standard Water Heater:
Advantages:
Lower upfront cost: Standard water heaters are typically less expensive to purchase and install than tankless water heaters.
Simple installation: The installation process for a standard water heater is straightforward and can be completed in a few hours.
Familiar technology: Standard water heaters have been used for decades and are a familiar technology to most homeowners and plumbers.
Reliable: Standard water heaters are generally considered reliable, with a 10-15 years lifespan.
Disadvantages:
Higher energy costs: Standard water heaters continually heat and store water, leading to higher energy costs.
Limited hot water supply: Standard water heaters have a finite amount of hot water stored, so if you use more hot water than the tank can hold, you'll need to wait for the tank to refill and reheat the water.
Large size: Standard water heaters are relatively large and can take up significant space in your home.
Prone to leaks: Over time, the tank of a standard water heater can develop leaks, which can cause water damage to your home.
Tankless Water Heater:
Advantages:
Energy-efficient: Tankless water heaters only heat water when needed, which reduces energy costs compared to standard water heaters.
Unlimited hot water supply: Tankless water heaters provide a continuous hot water supply, so you don't have to worry about running out.
Space-saving: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than standard water heaters and can be mounted on a wall to save space.
Longer lifespan: Tankless water heaters typically last longer than standard water heaters, with a lifespan of around 20 years.
Disadvantages:
Higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install than standard water heaters.
Complex installation: Installing a tankless water heater requires more expertise than installing a standard water heater and can take several hours or even days.
Special venting requirements: Tankless water heaters may require special venting depending on the type and model.
Possible temperature fluctuations: Tankless water heaters can experience temperature fluctuations if multiple hot water demands are made simultaneously.
Cold water sandwich: A cold water sandwich refers to a situation where the water from a heater is warm for the first few minutes, then there is a burst of cold water, and then the water quickly returns to being warm again. This is common with tankless water heaters.
By Walter Kruger, Senior Professional Home Inspector, Ground Floor Home Inspection, Inc.
