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If you are reading this now, chances are you are in need of a new water heater and are considering going tankless. There are a variety of things to consider before making this decision. Let’s go over some considerations:
Capacity
Whether you are going tankless or conventional. The most crucial step in choosing the right water heater is its capacity. If you go to small, your system will over work shortening it’s life span.
To determine the correct size for a conventional tank water heater for your household you need to base it off of the number of persons in your household
To determine the correct size for a tankless water heater system for your household you need to base it off of the amount of hot water you will need at one time. Your tankless water heater expert will help you determine the correct tank for your needs.
Efficiency
This is where in most cases a gas water heater is the most economical choice. A tankless water heater can cost almost 3 times as much to heat up the same amount of water as a gas-powered tank.
Maintenance
Hard water will damage a tankless water heater faster than a tank water heater. A tankless water heater does need yearly maintenance performed by a professional.
Energy Savings
If you are looking for an energy efficient system, then a tankless water heater would be a alternate option to a conventional water heater. Tankless water heaters save money on your energy bill by heating water only when it is needed. A conventional water heater heats and reheats water all day long.
Clean Water
Since a conventional tank heats and reheats the same water, the water is said to not be clean. There is lime and scale build up in the tank.
Space
A conventional tank water heater takes up a pretty big amount of space, while a tankless is much more compact.
Lifetime
A conventional storage tank water heater typically lasts 8-10 years, while a tankless can last 20.
Unlimited Hot Water?
In cases of a conventional tank, the amount of hot water you have is based on the amount of water the tank holds.
On a tankless water heater, it is said that the hot water supply is endless. I have recently heard from many owning a tankless water heater that this is not so. It is possible despite the manufacturers claims that there may not be enough hot water for simultaneous use in a large household, requiring two tankless sytems to function correctly. There have also been complaints of water temperature being inconsistent in tankless systems.
There is also a minimum hot-water flow required in a tankless. This means, if you aren’t using enough hot water, it won’t turn on.
Tax Credits and Rebates
Rebates and tax credits can be found on SDGE Website for qualifying models.
Final Thoughts:
The advantage of going tankless is primarily space savings and instant hot water.
If you do decide to go tankless, you need to get a tankless expert to do the installation. Not doing so can cost you hundreds if not thousands to correct piping and electricity requirements.