Tankless Water Heaters: The Pros and Cons

Posted on: December 12, 2016
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Plumbing

Trying to get ready for work and getting a cold shower because someone else used all the hot water is a really bad way to start your day. It takes a long time for the tank heat a tank of water. And, once it’s heated, the water cools and it’s re-heated several times a day. This just wastes energy and increases your utility bills. Hot water on demand and lower energy bills are encouraging homeowners to switch to a tankless water heater.

Tankless water heaters may initially cost more, but may save more money than tank models in the end. F or some homeowners, the eventual savings may not be worth the purchase and installation expenses – unless they have to purchase a new water heater. According to the Department of Energy, a natural gas tankless water heater may save an average of $108 in energy costs per year when compared to a traditional tank style water heater. However, some whole-house tankless water heaters can cost up to $3,000, not including installation costs by a licensed, qualified plumber.

Homeowners should also consider that their home may not be ready to install a tankless water heater. They may not have a gas line installed in the house, pipes may need to be replaced, or the electrical system may needed to be upgraded, which means hiring a qualified electrician. This additional work will increase the total price.
However, tankless water heater models save space and have longer warranties in addition to the energy savings. Most tankless systems last more than 20 years, which is twice the lifespan of storage water heaters. Tankless heaters save space because they have a smaller, more compact design, and don’t have the bulky tank.

There are decisions to make before you purchase a tankless system. Some homeowners only need a single unit to heat water in one bathroom. Other need a whole-house unit for the kitchen and multiple bathrooms. Most tankless water heaters must be located close to their power source like the gas line or electrical panel, but they can be mounted on either an interior or exterior wall.

Another consideration is whether an electric or gas tankless system is more suited to the home. An electric water heater requires the proper voltage, amperage and circuit breaker. Electric tankless heaters are 99 percent efficient, but they don’t always qualify for rebates or Energy Star ratings. Gas powered tankless models are about 23 percent more efficient than a traditional tank water heater. Gas models will also need to be vented. Most gas tankless water heaters do qualify for a federal tax rebate and some states offer additional incentives.

Regardless of which type of tankless water heater you decide to buy, you will need a highly rated, certified plumber or HVAC contractor to install it. Installation costs may be included when you purchase a unit from a certified dealer. Fortunately, all of our Abacus plumbers are licensed and highly experienced.

Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical is a full service residential contractor that has been serving the greater Houston area for over 50 years. Abacus is a member of the Greater Houston Chamber of Commerce and has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau of Houston. Abacus is licensed and insured and offers 24/7 emergency service. To learn more about Abacus Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, visit www.abacusplumbing.net or call 713-766-3605. License Numbers: ALAN O'NEILL M-20628 | TACLB82488E | TECL 30557

Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical services the greater DFW area including, but not limited to: Houston, Humble, Baytown, Bellaire, Conroe, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, The Woodlands and more. Check out Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical reviews or see Abacus A+ BBB to confirm Abacus is a company you can trust.