Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

If it’s time to replace your water heater, choosing between a standard or tankless model is the first decision you’ll need to make. Tankless water heaters come with many benefits and can save you money in the long run. However, as with all large appliance purchases, it’s important to do your research before making a final decision. That’s why our team at Indy Renovation has put together a list of pros and cons of tankless water heaters to help you decide.

Pros

• Endless Hot Water: Have you ever run out of hot water? Maybe you were last in line for the shower that day, or you put in a laundry load of towels right before your morning shower. Whatever the reason, it’s a pretty rude awakening. With tankless, you don’t have to worry about running out, because they are designed to produce an endless amount of hot water.
• Eco-Friendly: A standard tank water heater has a burner that turns on and off all day to make sure hot water is available to you when you need it. However, most households only use about one to three hours of hot water per day, so the energy it takes to keep the water heated is mostly wasted. Tankless water heaters only turn on when you are running hot water, saving energy in the long run.
• Long Lasting Investment: Finally, a great benefit of a tankless water heater is how long they last. Compared to a standard water heater that only lasts 8 to 12 years, a tankless will last 12 to 25 years!

Cons

• Higher Cost Up Front: While it’s true that tankless water heaters will save you money in the long-run, they are more expensive up-front. They are more expensive to purchase and generally need more extensive yearly maintenance.
• Installation Process: Often, in order to install a tankless water heater, a bit of retrofitting is necessary. This may include replacement of exhaust piping, possible installation or a new gas line, and installation of a discharge line. Generally, this means the installation process is more complicated and will take much longer than a standard water heater installation.
• Longer-Lasting: If you are in your “forever home”, a longer-lasting major appliance is a major pro. However, if you plan on moving in the next five years or so, a tankless water heater is likely not worth the investment for you.

If you’re ready to make the switch to a tankless water heater, contact the experts at Indy Renovation today at (317) 375-4464. We’ve been providing plumbing and renovation services to the Indianapolis area for over 50 years and we can’t wait to work with you!