If you’re looking to reduce the amount of energy you consume in your home, tankless water heaters are one solid option. While not every type of property will be able to run on a tankless water heater, there are certainly some benefits (and a few drawbacks) to using one if it’s feasible for you.
Here is a quick overview of some electric tankless water heater pros and cons for you to consider before making a decision regarding your Laguna Beach, CA home.
Pros
Advantages of using this type of appliance in your home include:
- Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters will provide you with a much higher level of energy efficiency in comparison to standard storage-tank water heaters. According to information from the U.S. Department of Energy, an on-demand water heater can be anywhere from eight to 50 percent more efficient, because it eliminates the large storage tank that can make the system susceptible to losses of heat and energy.
- Environmentally friendly: The general rule is that more efficient appliances are better for the environment. In the case of tankless water heaters, you’ll use less fuel to heat up the same amount of water. Traditional storage tank water heaters will give you an efficiency of 40 to 60 percent, while a tankless water heater will provide you with an efficiency of 80 to 99 percent, allowing you to have a nearly even fuel-to-heat transfer. By cutting down the amount of fuel you use, you will significantly reduce your environmental footprint.
- Savings: Tankless water heaters will save you money over the lifetime of the system due to the reduced fuel and energy usage. You can expect the system to pay for itself and then some over its lifetime. Tankless water heaters also last longer than standard water heaters, so you don’t have to worry about paying for a replacement nearly as soon.
Cons
Disadvantages of this type of appliance include:
- Lower flow: Tankless water heaters lower the flow rate of the water in your home. Depending on your typical level of water usage, you might need to install multiple point-of-use systems, or just stick to a storage tank heater, especially if you plan on heating more than about 40 gallons of water per day.
- Setup: Before you’re able to install a tankless water heater, you may need to upgrade your water pipes, gas pipes, or electrical wiring, which can add to the costs of installation.
- Other upfront costs: While the tankless water heater will pay for itself in the long run, there is a higher upfront cost than that associated with a traditional water heater. You may have to pay up to three times as much to get the new equipment installed, or even more if you have additional setup needs as described above.
If reducing your environmental footprint and energy usage is important to you, using a tankless water heater can be a great way to contribute to a more sustainable future. For more information about the pros and cons of tankless water heaters in Laguna Beach, CA, contact an experienced plumber at McKeown Plumbing today.