Are Tankless Water Heaters Good?

If you’re having a hard time keeping your family in hot water, you may have questions about whether a tankless water heater could do the trick. These so-called on-demand water heaters are about the size of a carry-on bag and while they are also more energy efficient, there are other factors to keep in mind. Let’s take a closer look. An experienced Delaware County plumbing and heating company can help you with all your hot water needs.

Consumer Reports Weighs In

Consumer Reports weighed in on whether tankless water heaters are a good option for home and business owners, and the answer is that it depends on your needs. Consulting with a plumbing specialist regarding how your home or business operates can help ensure that you make the right choice.

Consider the primary takeaways from Consumer Reports’ in-depth study.

Size

If your water heater is tucked away in the back reaches of your basement – not bothering anyone – it’s size probably isn’t an issue. If you share your living space with your hot water heater, however, its size is an entirely different matter.

Recent federal energy regulations require additional insulation on water heaters, which means that when you replace your current water heater, a new one of the same capacity will be larger. Tankless water heaters are a tiny fraction of the size of average storage tank models and can be mounted on the wall – saving your floor space in the process.

Energy

The vast majority of water heaters in homes and businesses throughout the country are the storage tank variety, and they keep all the water they hold hot around the clock. This means that all the following apply:

• You are keeping 55 gallons of water – on average – hot 24 hours a day, whether you need it or not.
• If you have considerable hot water needs, you can run out of hot water when you need it most – such as during morning showers.
• Storage tank heaters are less energy efficient than tankless heaters.

Cost

If you’re replacing your water heater, there can be considerable upfront costs when you go from a tank unit to tankless, but it may better align with your long-term goals. If you’ve got a new build, going tankless from the outset can be an excellent option.

How Well They Work

The colder the water source is, the more time it can take to heat up with a tankless heater. There are also issues like the hardness of your water to consider, and in some situations, you may have to make accommodations, such as holding off on doing the dishes while the shower is running. Consult with a plumbing pro to determine what your best options are.

A Trusted Delaware County Plumbing Professional Is Standing By to Help

Considering a tankless water heater? The plumbing pros at Di Gravio Plumbing and Heating, proudly serving Delaware County, Chester County, and Greater Philadelphia for generations, will carefully consider your family’s needs and help you make the best choice for you. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 610-565-5870 – or 215-468-5962 in Philadelphia – today.