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Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters: Making an Informed Decision

Don’t worry about running out of hot water anymore! Say goodbye to that problem with the help of compact and highly efficient tankless water heaters. These innovative units are designed to heat water on demand, providing a continuous supply of hot water whenever you need it.

A tankless water heater is a system that heats water on demand without using a storage tank. It provides hot water instantly whenever needed, without the need for preheating or storing water. Unlike traditional water heaters, it saves space and energy by only heating water when it is required.

In this article, we’ll dig about tankless water heaters, investigating their benefits, operating principles, their types and how to install them.

Everest Plumbing Jul 16, 2018
EVEREST DRAIN & PLUMBING - your local GTA Plumbing company since 2013Find a Plumber near you

How Tankless water Heaters works:

Understanding how tankless water heaters work can shed light on their efficiency and performance. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water enters the unit through an inlet pipe. Inside the heater, either a gas burner or an electric heating element heats the water as it flows through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger rapidly raises the temperature of the water to the desired level, and the hot water then exits through an outlet pipe, ready for use. As a result, there is no waiting time for the water to heat up, ensuring instant access to hot water whenever you need it. 

These are the basic steps of working principles of tankless water heater:

  • Start the tankless water heater.
  • Wait for a hot water tap to be turned on.
  • Cold water enters the unit through an inlet pipe.
  • Determine the type of heating element (gas burner or electric heating element) present in the heater.
  • If it’s a gas burner: 5.1. Ignite the gas burner. 5.2. Heat the water as it flows through the heat exchanger.
  • If it’s an electric heating element: 6.1. Activate the electric heating element. 6.2. Heat the water as it flows through the heat exchanger.
  • The heat exchanger rapidly raises the temperature of the water to the desired level.
  • The hot water exits through an outlet pipe.
  • The hot water is now ready for use.
  • If no taps are turned on, wait for a hot water tap to be turned on (return to step 2).

Types of Tankless Water Heaters:

There are different types available on the market, each catering to specific needs and preferences. Here are the three main types of tankless water heaters:

  • Electric Tankless Water Heaters:
    Electric tankless water heaters are powered by electricity and do not require a gas line for operation. They are generally more compact and easier to install compared to gas-powered units. Electric tankless water heaters heat the water using heating elements, similar to those found in an electric oven or kettle. They are suitable for smaller households or locations where natural gas or propane is not readily available. Electric tankless water heaters tend to have a lower flow rate compared to gas-powered units, so they may be better suited for applications with lower hot water demands.
  • Gas Tankless Water Heaters:
    Gas tankless water heaters are powered by natural gas or propane. They typically provide a higher flow rate and can handle larger hot water demands compared to electric models. Gas tankless water heaters use a burner and heat exchanger to rapidly heat the water as it passes through the unit. They require a venting system to expel the combustion gasses  safely. Gas tankless water heaters are ideal for larger households or locations with high hot water demand, such as multiple showers running simultaneously or commercial applications.
  • Condensing Tankless Water Heaters: Condensing tankless water heaters are available in both electric and gas models. These units incorporate advanced technology to maximize energy efficiency. They utilize a secondary heat exchanger to extract additional heat from the combustion gasses, allowing them to achieve higher efficiency ratings. Condensing tankless water heaters are especially suitable for homeowners looking to minimize energy consumption and reduce utility bills.
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PROS OF TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, have several advantages over traditional tank-based water heaters. Here are some of the pros of tankless water heaters:

  • Energy Efficiency: Tankless water heaters are highly efficient, as they only heat water when it’s needed, resulting in lower energy consumption and utility bills.
  • Continuous Hot Water: With tankless water heaters, you’ll never run out of hot water as they provide a constant supply on demand.
  • Space Saving: Tankless water heaters are compact and can be mounted on walls, saving valuable space, making them ideal for smaller homes or limited spaces.
  • Longer Lifespan: Tankless water heaters generally last longer than traditional water heaters, potentially up to 20 years or more.
  • Reduced Risk of Water Damage: Unlike tank-based systems, tankless water heaters eliminate the risk of tank leaks or bursts, minimizing the chance of water damage.
  • Flexibility and Scalability: Tankless water heaters offer flexibility in installation, can be placed closer to the point of use, and can be expanded easily to meet growing hot water demands.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Tankless water heaters help reduce the carbon footprint by conserving energy, saving natural resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

CONS OF TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

While tankless water heaters have many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the cons of tankless water heaters:

  • Higher Initial Cost: Tankless water heaters generally have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional tank-based water heaters, including the unit itself and professional installation.
  • Limited Flow Rate: Tankless water heaters may have a reduced hot water flow rate when multiple hot water outlets are used simultaneously, such as running a shower and a dishwasher at the same time.
  • Potential Additional Installation Requirements: Switching to a tankless system may require modifications to plumbing and energy connections, adding to the installation complexity and cost.
  • Adequate Energy Supply Needed: Tankless water heaters may require specific gas lines or electrical upgrades to meet their energy demands, resulting in additional expenses for some households.
  • Cold Water “Sandwich” Effect: In certain cases, tankless water heaters may experience brief bursts of cold water between periods of hot water, particularly after pauses in usage.
  • Maintenance and Scaling: Tankless water heaters may need regular maintenance to prevent scaling and mineral buildup, particularly in areas with hard water. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency or damage.
  • Limited Availability During Power Outages: Most tankless water heaters rely on electricity, meaning they may not provide hot water during power outages unless you have a backup power source.

How to Install a Tankless Water Heater

This is really a work for a professional since it entails replacing the wiring and circuit-breaker panel for electric units or installing leak-free water, vent, and gas connections for gas or propane units. While it is recommended to hire a professional plumber technician for the installation. 

Though there are some steps you can do yourself (DIY) before calling any professional. 

  • Determine the appropriate size and type of tankless water heater for your hot water demand.
  • Select a suitable location that meets safety and building code requirements.
  • Ensure necessary utilities such as gas or electrical connections and proper venting are available.
  • Turn off the main water supply and utilities before starting the installation.
  • Remove the existing water heater and drain the tank.
  • Install proper venting if it’s a gas unit.
  • Connect the water supply lines securely.
  • Install gas or electrical connections according to local codes and guidelines.
  • Mount the tankless water heater securely on the wall.
  • Connect the venting system for gas units, ensuring tight and sealed connections.
  • Install a pressure relief valve and expansion tank if required.
  • Turn on the main water supply and restore gas or electricity to the tankless water heater.
  • Check for leaks and ensure proper operation.

Note: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setup and programming.
“If it doesn’t work immediately call a local Toronto plumber near you who is able to short out or repair your tankless water heaters.”

 

FAQs

How do tankless water heaters work?

Tankless water heaters heat water directly as it flows through the unit using high-powered heating elements or a gas burner, providing hot water on demand without the need for a storage tank.

Which hot water heater is best?

The best hot water heater depends on various factors such as your specific needs, available energy sources, and budget. It's recommended to consult with a professional plumber to determine the best option for your situation.

Are tankless water heaters worth it?

Tankless water heaters can be worth it for many homeowners due to their energy efficiency, space-saving design, and endless hot water supply. However, the upfront cost and installation requirements should be considered.

Is a tankless water heater better?

Tankless water heaters offer advantages such as energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and unlimited hot water. However, their suitability depends on your usage patterns and specific requirements.

How much do tankless water heaters cost?

The cost of tankless water heaters varies based on factors like brand, capacity, and installation requirements.

Is a tankless water heater worth it?

Whether a tankless water heater is worth it depends on your priorities, long-term savings, and hot water usage. Consider factors such as energy efficiency, convenience, and budget before making a decision.

Are tankless water heaters any good?

Conclusion

Tankless water heaters offer a range of advantages, such as providing a continuous supply of hot water, being energy-efficient, saving space, lasting longer, and improving water quality. However, they do have some drawbacks, including a higher upfront cost, limited flow rate for simultaneous hot water needs, and specific installation requirements. It’s important to consider these pros and cons when deciding if a tankless water heater is suitable for your home. If you’re in the Toronto area, you can contact a trusted plumbing company, for emergency services and assistance with water leaks and water heater repair.

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