Are you willing to know what is the downside of a tankless water heater? With the recent boost in technology, experts have come up with contrastingly different and innovative ways to heat water for your use. The concept of a tankless water heater came from the fact that storage heaters had too many problems. Problems include overheating, high energy bills, and exploding of the tank from time to time, if not operated with extreme care.
These operate on natural gas or electricity and can help heat your water instantly using the equipped heating unit rather than storing water in a tank and heating it again and again. This system decreases the chances of fires or explosions vastly as it prevents the accumulation of heat inside the container.
Moreover, tankless water heaters are much more reliable and durable than conventional ones. If properly used and maintained, they will last you for an everlastingly long time.
Are there any downsides to tankless water heaters?
The aforementioned features are only a few of the numerous advances that tankless water heaters have over conventional ones. We would rather not go into details because that would take us hours and stray us from the actual topic.
Tankless water heaters, like any other technical product, have advantages and downsides. Although its benefits outdo the disadvantages by a high degree, it is still essential to detail what problems you must be ready to face with your new tankless water heater.
1. Installation Costs
The most evident downside of a tankless water heater in 2022 is the expenses involved with it. Given the phenomenal technology used, tankless water heaters are worth a lot and range between five hundred to a thousand dollars. However, purchasing the device is only the beginning.
Professional plumbers are needed to install these tankless water heaters because of the complexities involved with the procedure.
Any expert plumber charges a hefty sum for this job. Plus, considering the cost of other additional components required, your tankless water heater can cost you around three thousand dollars.
When compared with that of standard tank heaters, this cost is magnificent and makes the user doubt their wants. The easy availability of labor, lack of the needed air vents, and installing new pipelines are the crucial reasons why almost anyone can afford a storage tank water heater but not a tankless one.
2. Limited capacity to heating water
You can always rely on your tank water heaters to provide you with hot water instantly. But to a limited total capacity (40-50 gallons depending on your tank size). A tankless unit works differently since they lack a storage container and instead works on a flow rate methodology. They provide endless hot water, but there are certain restrictions as to how much water your heater can heat at a time.
The flow rate of a tankless heater tells the number of gallons of water it can heat up in a minute. The higher this value is, the more water your heater can heat and minimizes the chances of you running out of warm water in between doing your chores.
3. Disrupted functioning during natural disasters
This factor plays a pivotal role in determining the suitability of a tankless water heater for your industry or use. Water heaters that use a tank to store water can supply warm water even when their heating systems stop functioning because of storms or any other natural consequence. In contrast, it is not true for tankless water heaters. As tankless water heaters use an internal PC circuit through which it controls the whole unit. It can stop operating completely in case of an unforeseen power outage or thunderstorm. Hence you will have to spend the remaining days using cold water until the power returns. Because once the heating system of this heater is hindered, there is no previously stored hot water to fulfill your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth switching to a tankless water heater?
Given the above-mentioned downsides, it is understandable if you are doubting the decision of switching to a tankless water heater right now. However, if you can afford the unit, then we urge you to go for it!
While its installation price will be harsh on your pockets right now, you will only thank us in the future when you see your electricity bills reduce greatly and watch your one-time investment last you for the longest time.
Can you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater?
Although it might take some time to get hot water running through your tap, a tankless water heater will do its job correctly and never run out of hot water unless you exceed its maximum capacity. Buy the right size of these water heaters and rid yourself of the worry of running out of hot water midway showering or washing dishes.
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of five?
If you need a water temperature between 110°F to 120° F, we recommend getting a unit that supports a flow rate of at least 10 gallons per minute. This will function on a 27-kilowatt electricity rate and adequately meet your family’s requirements without offering water with inconsistent temperatures.
Conclusion
Given the rising popularity of tankless water heaters, covering its what is the downside of a tankless water heater in 2022 alongside its benefits is important. For this purpose, we have enlisted some of the biggest downfalls of any tankless water heater. If you are ready to face these problems and willing to spend a considerable sum to get the most out of this heater, get yourself a tankless water heater right now and watch your domestic life become easier than ever before!
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