Considering a Tankless Water Heater?
Considering a tankless water heater for your home? Perhaps the allure of endless hot water and energy savings has piqued your interest. But maybe you’ve also heard whispers of limitations and potential drawbacks. The truth is, tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, have garnered a reputation based on some misunderstandings and outdated notions. These appliances heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. A gas burner or electric element heats the water, providing a constant supply of hot water as needed. No more waiting for a tank to fill!
This article is here to set the record straight. We’re going to debunk seven common myths surrounding tankless water heaters, providing you with the facts you need to make an informed decision for your home. Let’s dive in and separate fact from fiction about tankless water heaters.
The Myth of Insufficient Simultaneous Hot Water
A persistent misconception is that tankless water heaters are simply not capable of handling multiple hot water demands simultaneously. The worry is that if someone is showering, running the dishwasher, and doing laundry, the tankless system will falter, resulting in a cold shower or lukewarm dishwater. While this may have been a valid concern with older or improperly sized models, it’s largely unfounded with modern tankless technology.
The key to understanding the capacity of a tankless water heater lies in its flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Each fixture in your home requires a certain GPM of hot water. A low-flow showerhead might use 1.5 GPM, while a bathtub might require 4 GPM or more. The GPM rating of a tankless water heater indicates how much hot water it can produce per minute, based on a specific temperature rise.
To ensure adequate hot water for simultaneous use, careful sizing is essential. This involves calculating the total GPM demand of all the fixtures that might be used at the same time and selecting a tankless heater with a GPM rating that meets or exceeds that demand. Reputable plumbers and HVAC technicians can assist with this calculation, taking into account the number of bathrooms, appliances, and occupants in your home. Newer models of tankless water heaters are designed with increased flow rates to accommodate larger households with multiple hot water needs. Choosing the right size will eliminate the worries of insufficient hot water.
The Instant Hot Water Illusion
Tankless water heaters are often touted as providing “instant” hot water, but this promise can be misleading. While it’s true that they eliminate the need to wait for a tank to heat up, there is still a brief delay before hot water reaches the tap. The water already sitting in the pipes between the heater and the faucet needs to be flushed out first.
This initial delay can be frustrating for some homeowners, especially those accustomed to the immediate hot water delivery of a tank water heater. The phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the “cold water sandwich,” where a slug of cold water precedes the hot water arrival.
However, there are solutions to mitigate this issue. Recirculation systems can be installed with tankless water heaters to keep hot water constantly circulating through the plumbing lines. This ensures that hot water is readily available at the tap, minimizing the wait time. These systems can be configured with timers or occupancy sensors to further optimize energy efficiency. Understanding that truly “instant” hot water is an exaggeration is important, but options exist to minimize the wait.
The Myth of Prohibitive Cost
One of the biggest barriers to tankless water heater adoption is the perception that they are significantly more expensive than traditional tank water heaters. The initial purchase and installation costs can indeed be higher, but it’s important to consider the long-term financial benefits.
Tankless water heaters are significantly more energy efficient than tank water heaters. They only heat water when it’s needed, eliminating the standby heat loss that occurs with tank heaters, where water is constantly heated and reheated, even when no one is using it. This standby heat loss can account for a significant portion of your energy bill, particularly in colder climates.
Over the lifespan of a tankless water heater, the energy savings can offset the higher initial cost. Furthermore, tankless water heaters typically have a longer lifespan than tank water heaters, often lasting two decades or more, compared to the ten-to-fifteen-year lifespan of a tank water heater.
Therefore, when evaluating the cost of a tankless water heater, it’s crucial to consider the total cost of ownership, including energy savings and lifespan. Many homeowners find that the long-term savings make tankless water heaters a worthwhile investment. Explore any rebates or tax incentives that may also be available to make installation more affordable.
The Low Maintenance Lie
Another common misconception is that tankless water heaters are high-maintenance appliances prone to frequent breakdowns. While they do require some maintenance, it’s generally simple and infrequent.
The primary maintenance task for a tankless water heater is flushing the system annually to remove mineral buildup. Hard water, which is prevalent in many areas, contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can accumulate inside the heat exchanger, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage. Flushing the system with a descaling solution removes these mineral deposits, ensuring optimal performance and prolonging the lifespan of the heater.
Compared to tank water heaters, tankless heaters don’t require the replacement of anode rods, which are used to prevent corrosion in tank systems. Sediment buildup, a common problem with tank water heaters, is also less of a concern with tankless systems. Overall, the maintenance requirements for tankless water heaters are relatively minimal and can be easily managed by a homeowner or a qualified technician.
Cold Climate Concerns
A significant worry for those living in colder climates is whether a tankless water heater can effectively heat very cold incoming water. The concern is that the heater will struggle to raise the water temperature to a comfortable level, especially during the winter months.
While it’s true that cold incoming water poses a challenge for any water heater, a properly sized tankless heater can perform admirably in cold climates. The key is to select a heater with a high enough BTU (British thermal unit) output, which measures the amount of heat the heater can produce.
Consider the average ground water temperature in your area when selecting a tankless water heater. The colder the ground water, the higher the BTU output you’ll need. Reputable plumbers can help you determine the appropriate size and BTU output for your specific climate and household needs. Newer models of tankless water heaters are designed with advanced features to improve their cold-weather performance, such as preheating functions and enhanced insulation.
The DIY Installation Delusion
One dangerous myth is that installing a tankless water heater is a simple do-it-yourself project. While some homeowners are tempted to save money by installing the unit themselves, it’s a complex task that requires specific skills and knowledge.
Tankless water heater installation involves plumbing, electrical, and gas connections. Incorrectly installed plumbing can lead to leaks and water damage. Improper electrical wiring can create a fire hazard. And faulty gas connections can result in gas leaks and explosions.
Professional installation ensures that the heater is installed safely and correctly, meeting all local codes and regulations. A qualified plumber will also properly size the gas line and electrical wiring to ensure optimal performance. Investing in professional installation is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the safety of your home.
Tankless Only for Small Homes? Think Again.
The final misconception revolves around the idea that tankless water heaters are only suitable for small homes with limited hot water needs. This myth suggests that larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms would be better off sticking with a traditional tank water heater.
This is simply untrue. As previously mentioned, the key is proper sizing. A well-chosen tankless water heater can easily meet the hot water demands of a large household. By accurately calculating the peak hot water usage and selecting a tankless heater with an appropriate GPM rating, even large families can enjoy the benefits of on-demand hot water. Some manufacturers even offer whole-house tankless water heaters specifically designed for larger homes.
The Truth About Tankless Water Heaters
In conclusion, many of the common concerns about tankless water heaters are based on outdated information or misunderstandings. By debunking these seven myths, we hope to provide you with a more accurate picture of these energy-efficient and space-saving appliances. Tankless water heaters can offer numerous benefits, including endless hot water, lower energy bills, and a longer lifespan, when they are chosen and installed correctly.
Before making a decision, it’s essential to do your research and consult with qualified professionals. A plumber or HVAC technician can assess your hot water needs, recommend the appropriate size and model of tankless water heater, and ensure that it is installed safely and efficiently. With the right information and expert guidance, you can confidently decide if a tankless water heater is the right choice for your home.
