Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

In recent years, there has been a growing interest by many Chapel Hill homeowners in tankless water heating technology. In the past, water heating was done almost entirely with tank water heaters – systems that heated a large volume of water and stored it in a tank to be distributed throughout your home as needed. A tankless system only heats water as you need it, which can result in a number of clear benefits but can also lead to some drawbacks. Here is a breakdown of both.

Pros of Tankless Water Heating

The major benefit of tankless water heating is the cost to operate. A 50-gallon tank water heater must use a fairly large volume of energy to heat all 50 gallons of water 24 hours a day, even when you don’t need it. A tankless water heater only uses energy when you need that hot water.

The temperature of the water after heating can be controlled for each unit as well, which allows you unprecedented control over how much energy is consumed and ensures that, if you are out of the house for more than a few hours, you are immediately saving money.

Cons of Tankless Water Heating

While a tankless water heater will undoubtedly save you money in the long term, it does cost a bit more to install up front, especially if you have multiple bathrooms and kitchens. Beyond installation cost, a tankless water heater doesn’t provide hot water immediately. Because the heating elements only activate when you turn on the hot water tap, it will often take a few moments for the water to heat up to what you need it to be.

Still, this is only a small drawback when you consider just how much less energy you will use by having a tankless water heater installed in your Chapel Hill home. When the time comes to select a new water heater, keep all of the above in mind so you make a decision that matches the specific needs of your home.

For more information about installing a water heater in your home, give JD Service Now a call!