Large families – if you have a large family, your home will require a larger tankless unit. The larger the unit the more expensive it will be and at a certain point, the cost of a large and efficient tankless heater will outweigh the benefits.
Are there any downsides? It costs more upfront. Be prepared to spend more than you would on a traditional hot water tank. Tankless hot water systems can cost up to twice as much for the unit and the set-up. The installation process is more involved.
Before you commit to buying a tankless water heater, the primary drawbacks to know include: Higher upfront costs. Tankless water heaters are, on average, quite a bit more expensive to buy and install than tank water heaters. Access to fuel.
St Paul Pipeworks plumbers advise against purchasing tankless water heaters from big box stores or online retailers, as homeowners often lack the expertise to determine the correct sizing for their specific needs. Many negative reviews about tankless systems stem from improper sizing or piping installations.
One of the key features of modern tankless water heaters is built-in freeze protection. This system typically protects the unit in temperatures as low as -30°F. However, it's important to note that this protection only works when the heater is connected to power.
Inefficient heating due to temperature: The efficiency of a tankless water heater may decrease with the incoming water is too cold. Consider preheating the cold water to alleviate stress on the heater. Inspect built-in freeze protection system: Most tankless water heaters come with a built-in freeze protection system.
To help keep your indoor tankless water heater from freezing, use a direct vent exhaust & intake system. Both the exhaust vent pipe and the air intake pipe should be connected directly from the collars on the top of the water heater to the outdoors.
Absolutely! In fact, tankless water heaters are becoming the standard for new home construction because of the energy efficiency.
The federal tax credit for tankless water heaters in 2024 is an excellent opportunity for homeowners to save money while investing in energy-efficient water heating solutions. This tax credit is effective from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2032.
Tankless water heaters usually last for around 15-20 years before they need to be replaced, but they may need replacing sooner if they start to break down or lose efficiency. Some common signs your tankless water heater needs to be replaced include: Low water pressure. Water doesn't get hot.
Tankless water heaters can save you money on your energy bill in the long run, but they also require a greater initial financial investment upfront. Installation costs more, especially if you're installing your first tankless heater and require new gas lines and venting or a dedicated electrical circuit.
While a tankless water heater will deliver an unlimited stream of hot water, they struggle to deliver a lot of hot water at one time. So while you might be able to take 100 showers in a row if you have the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower going at the same time you might have problems.
When hard water is heated, the minerals can precipitate out of the water and form scale deposits inside the heater's heat exchanger and other components. This buildup can reduce the heater's efficiency, impede water flow, and lead to costly repairs or premature failure.
A tankless water heater cannot provide hot water faster than its ability to heat the water. While a tank unit can provide hot water for multiple uses at once, a tankless unit might not be able to support simultaneous usage, such as washing dishes, taking a shower and running a washing machine all at once.
You might want to avoid a tankless water heater due to its higher upfront cost. Another downside is the possible upgrades to your gas line or electrical system required to install one.
A 50-gallon water heater should be replaced with a tankless system with a 10 GPM flow rate just to be safe. Selecting the right flow rate ensures you won't experience cold showers or excessive energy costs. Proper sizing optimizes performance, providing hot water on demand without unnecessary waste.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
The initial cost of a tankless water heater is greater than that of a conventional storage water heater, but tankless water heaters will typically last longer and have lower operating and energy costs, which could offset their higher purchase price.
Homeowners can receive a tax credit of 30% of the project cost, up to $2,000, for Heat Pump Water Heaters installed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032. Gas Storage Water Heaters, Tankless Gas Water Heaters, and Boilers also qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the project cost, up to $600.
You can claim 30% of the project cost, up to a $2,000 maximum credit. Heat pump water heaters that have earned the ENERGY STAR are eligible for this credit. You can find a list of ENERGY STAR certified models here.
Additional Installation Costs
Tankless water heaters are much more complex than traditional hot water tanks. As a result, they require professional installation. If you're switching from a hot water tank to a tankless unit, you will likely need your gas lines rerouted, as well as a larger gas supply line.
Do I need to replace all my home's plumbing if I install a tankless water heater? Rarely is a complete overhaul necessary. However, you may need to upgrade certain sections of your plumbing, particularly those leading into and out of the tankless unit, to ensure proper water flow and volume.
But on average, different family sizes require the following sizes of tankless water heaters: Family of 2 — 6-8 GPM. Family of 3 — 7-9 GPM. Family of 4 — 8-10 GPM.
Low water pressure can affect the performance of a tankless water heater. A plumbing crossover can cause low water pressure by connecting the cold and hot water lines incorrectly. Installing a pressure regulator can help regulate water pressure and ensure a consistent flow of hot water to the tankless water heater.
Insulate the Tankless Water Heater Pipes: The pipes can be protected by wrapping them with an insulating material. Electric heat tape also can be used. These methods will prevent the coldest air from reaching the pipes and causing the water in them to freeze.
How to Winterize Tankless Water Heaters. First, the heater should be turned off and the power cord unplugged. The gas and water supply lines should then be shut and the tank drained. When the water pressure reduces, the inlet and outlet water pipes should be disconnected.