What are the Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular than ever. However, before reading these facts, understand that tankless water heaters aren't for everyone. In addition, there may be other factors that may cause you to choose conventional over tankless for your particular situation. A licensed Clearwater plumbing contractor can tell you what's best for you.
Does Ditching the Tank Really Save You Money? Yes and No
Several different consumer groups and publications have spent countles hours testing tankless water heaters...and then testing them again. However, they all come up with what everyone already knows. They are as much as 4 times more expensive, they require more maintenance, but they do save slightly on electricity. For many, the jury is still out. Most recommend sticking with the traditional $300 tank units with a good warranty. So what are the benefits? We found pretty much the same things:
Tankless Water Heaters Cost More to Buy and Maintain. Tankless water heaters can cost up to $1200 or more and require costly part replacement over time. In addtion, there may be other installation surprises--especially if you use a gas model--like ventilation installation and more. So is it worth it?
Water Heating Energy Savings of Up to 40%. This has been one of the most widely used and oft-misunderstood statements about these water heaters. The 40% savings is off of the water heating portion of your total power bill, not the total bill. This leads some people to be disappointed when they find out that their monthly savings is not what they expected. However, the good news is that you do save money over time. It usually takes a few years to get a return on your investment, however.
Do the Math. If you can figure out how much your water heater is costing you each month, simply figure a 30% average savings. So if you end up saving $15 per month, it will take you about 7 years for you to start realizing the benefits of the more efficient system if you take into account your initial cash outlay. Again, your situation may vary. And please be advised that a licensed plumbing contractor can help you make the decision quickly and easy.
Can I Install a Tankless Water Heater Myself?
We can't tell you not to install something yourself if you want to. But when it comes to something as intricate as a tankless waterheater, we wouldn't recommend it. Many require additional installation tasks that have to be completed for the unit to work properly and be safe.
Will It Void My Warranty?
Yes, Most Likely. Many product warraties require installation by a licensed professional. You will most likely void your warranty if you install it yourself, making any recourse impossible if the product turns out to be defective or is damaged during installation.
Are there Safety Risks?
As with any appliance installation, there are always risks involved. They range from electric shock to product damage due to an incorrect installation. In the case of a gas unit, there are significantly greater risks. It is always recommended that you call a licensed clearwater plumber to not only make the best recommendations for your tankless heater, but also to give you a safe and solid installation that will keep your warranty and energy bill in check.
Additional Water Heater Info for Homes & Businesses in Clearwater
- What type of water heater is right for me?
- How will I know when I need a new water heater?