Tankless Water Heaters: Pros And Cons | Atlanta, GA
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Should you or shouldn’t you get a tankless water heater? Tankless water heaters have both pros and cons. Whether you should get a tankless water heater installed or not is completely up to you. Before you decide whether you want it or not, you should first weigh your options. Tankless and conventional water heaters can be both bad and or good, depending on the lifestyle you lead and the home you own. If you are interested in installing a different water heater or need help maintaining the one you own, hire a local and reputable plumber. If you live in the Atlanta, GA, area, contact the staff at Peach Plumbing & Drain for all of your plumbing service and maintenance needs.
The Difference Between a Conventional Water Heater and A Tankless Water Heater
Storage Tank Water Heater (Conventional)
A conventional water heater or storage tank water heater is the most commonly used type of water heater. This type of water heater design is very close to the original. Storage tank water heaters are typically powered by gas or electricity and use a large tank to heat and store the hot water. The tank typically holds about 40 or 60 gallons of water. The conventional water heater receives cold water via a dip tube and then is heated to the set temperature on the thermostat and stored for later use. This water heater is compatible with almost every home and lifestyle.
Tankless Water Heater (On-Demand)
Tankless water heaters are very different. These water heaters are also referred to as On-Demand water heaters. This is because these water heaters supply hot water on demand. These water heaters do not require tanks to heat and store water. These water heating appliances utilize flash heat technology and coils to heat water as it funnels through this appliance.
Tankless water heaters may sound 100 times better than their storage tank water heating appliance counterparts, however, there are some instances where having a storage-tank water heater may be better than owning a tankless one and vice versa. Before you make the leap to a tankless water heating appliance, you should first weigh the pros and the cons.
Tankless Water Heater Pros
The tankless water heater is also known as the on-demand water heater or the instant water heater. This water heater does not require time to heat water. When you need hot water, you simply need to turn the faucet and the hot water generation process will begin.
Never Have to Wait for Hot Water
Never having to wait for hot water is one of the many benefits of owning tankless water heaters. These water heaters use coils to heat and store water temporarily for heating. When the tankless water heater is engaged, water will be channeled through these coils. The coils will heat up in order to heat the water that is being moved through them. This process must happen fast in order to keep up with the stream of water needed. The hot temperature is achieved by flash heating the water with the coils.
Unlimited Hot Water Supply
Unlike conventional water heaters, the tankless water heater does not require a storage sane to hold and heat water. The water is heated on demand as it is needed. The water is also heated extremely fast. This creates an unlimited supply of hot water. This is perfect for large families. Instead of having to use cold water, because someone else used the entire supply of hot water, you can enjoy hot water at any time, no matter how much was used before you.
Less Likely to Experience Leaks, Tank Explosion, and Rotted Tanks
One of the best features of tankless water heaters is their lack of a tank. The tanks of water heating appliances can last for quite some time, but when they fail, the consequences can be dire. Tanks hold a lot of water. When a leak, tank explosion, or rotted tank issue occurs, all of that water has to go somewhere, and it is usually all over your property.
Tank explosions aren’t common but are extremely dangerous. There is no tank, so there is no chance of your water heater experiencing a tank explosion. A lack of a tank also greatly reduces the amount of leak and water damage that can occur as a result of a tankless water heater malfunction.
Compact
Tankless water heaters are very compact. People who live in smaller spaces may opt for the tankless water heater due to how much space you can save with these appliances. The lack of a storage tank. Makes it easy to mount this appliance on the wall and leave the rest of the space for other things.
If you would like to give these water heaters a try, it may be best to consult a professional plumber beforehand. If you live in or around the Atlanta, GA, area, contact the staff at Peach Plumbing and Drain for all of your water heater appliance and plumbing service needs.
Tankless Water Heater Cons
Tankless water heaters aren’t perfect, and there are some cons to consider before deciding to install a tankless water heater into your home.
Cannot Keep Up With Multiple Demands
The tankless water heater heats water on demand. When the tankless water heater is required to generate hot water for multiple fixtures, it could prove to be a strain on this appliance. Trying to use hot water in multiple parts of a home at the same time, could cause inconsistencies in the hot water supply.
No Hot Water If the Power Is Out
Tankless water heaters are electrically powered. Unlike storage tank water heaters, these water heaters do not have the same option of using gas instead of electricity to generate heated water. This means if the electricity were ever to go out, there would be no way of getting hot water through your water heater.
Higher Up-Front Cost
Tankless water heaters are more difficult and costly to install. On average a conventional water heater costs nearly $1000 to install, while these water heaters are in the $3000 range. Like all water heating appliances, the tankless water heater will also require regular maintenance in order to avoid malfunctions and issues from occurring.
If you live in the Atlanta, GA, area and are interested in installing a new water heater, contact the professionals a Peach Plumbing & Drain for an installation consultation.