Is a Tankless Water Heater the Answer to Hot Water Heater Problems?

If you have hot water heater problems in your home, you might be in the process of shopping around for a new water heater. There are many water heater choices, and deciding on which make and model to select as your replacement water heating system can be an overwhelming task. Not only must you choose a specific replacement water heater, but you also have to worry about hot water heater installation and eventually hot water heater maintenance.

If you are in the market for a water heater, you’ve probably noticed that a tankless water heater is an attractive option. With a tankless water heater, you never have to worry about running out of hot water. But like any appliance or system, there are pros and cons to all choices. While there are certainly many benefits of a tankless water heater, there are also benefits to a water heating system that requires a tank. Hot water heater problems can be an annoyance, so you want to make sure you choose the best possible solution for your hot water heater issues.

In a nutshell, a tankless water heater does not keep water in a heated storage tank. Instead, it quickly heats water as it is demanded by a person or an appliance (such as a dishwasher or clothes washer). A traditional hot water heater keeps heated water in a storage tank, and releases the water when someone or an appliance requests it. Once the tank is drained, it is refilled with water and the water is heated.

Here are a few pros and cons of a tankless water heater vs. a traditional water heater with a tank:

Pros of a tankless water heater:

• A tankless system is smaller and takes up less space than a traditional water heater with a tank.
• Is typically more energy-efficient than a system that must keep a tank of water hot at all times.
• Can have a longer lifespan than a system with a tank.
• Can heat water quickly.
• Hot water supply never runs out.

Pros of a traditional water heater:

• Can be less expensive to purchase than a tankless water heater.
• Hot water heater installation is typically straightforward and simple

Cons of a tankless water heater:

• Usually costs more to purchase than a traditional water heater.
• Can cost more for tankless water heater installation.

Cons of a traditional water heater:

• It usually requires more energy to keep a storage tank filled with hot water than a tankless water heater requires. This can result in a higher monthly utility bill.
• Hot water heaters are much larger than a tankless system, and require more storage space.
• When a hot water heater is drained, it takes a bit of time to heat the re-fill water.
• A traditional hot water heater will not last forever, and may have to be replaced after 10 or 15 years.

If you have hot water heater problems, the decision on whether to choose a tankless water heating system or a traditional water heater with a tank should not be taken lightly. Both types of system have definite benefits. Make sure to choose the one that best meets the needs of the people living in your home.