Pros and cons of a tankless water heater?
Monday, September 12th, 2011 at
2:38 pm
I am considering putting in a tankless water heater, probably gas. Researching now the pros and cons of anyone who has one. How long to recoup the cost over a tank water heater?
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Tagged with: pros and cons • tank water • tankless water heater
Filed under: Water Heating
I really like my tankless gas water heater. I’ve had it over a year now. It uses about 40% less gas a month. Even though the initial cost is high, you can get a $300 tax credit on your income taxes. That helps. Try to find a brand that has a local service contractor in case it tears up. You don’t want some inexperience yahoo working on it. Get the largest size they have too, it’s not that much more and you can supply two baths, dishwasher, washing machine etc. all at the same time. Good luck.
Definitely get a gas one, there are too many problems with electric ones and consistent heat.
You should put a cartridge filter in the line before the heater to prevent sediment from clogging the faucets and shower heads.
I have installed the tankless (gas) in my last two houses and have had one for at least 20 years. They have greatly improved and are used in most European countries. The advantages are that they take up a whole lot less room, are extremely economical, only use gas when you turn on the faucet and NEVER run out of hot water EVER (great if you have a very large bathtub). The disadvantage is the initial cost. I would not let that deter you as the extra cost wil be recouped in less than 1 year by your savings of not reheating water over and over that is not being used (tank). I will never have a tank again, in fact I pulled a five year old tank out of my present house when I bought it that was perfectly fine and replaced it with a tankless. I would make sure that you buy the largest BTU output available especially if the hot water will be used by two or more sources at the same time, ie shower, dishwasher, washing machine, etc. If your area is prone to power outages try to get one with a standing pilot or a non-electric pilot ignitor so that you can get a shower during the power outage.
I don’t have one but I know people who do, and I am also considering getting one.
As you’ve probably noted, the price can range from $340 to the thousands of dollars. Financially speaking, tankless heaters can last up to 20 years (most regular water heaters have to be replaced every 10). The useage savings depends, obviously, on how much hot water you use.
I just like the idea that I woul not be paying for my heater to keep heating water even when I’m not using it, and that I would only heat enough for immediate use.
The con would be the initial outlay of money to purchase and install.
Here’s a site that gives you a general (albeit a bit biased) idea on what you could save; click the "savings calculator":
http://www.foreverhotwater.com/