Unveiling the electric tankless water heater revolution: is it worth every penny?
What To Know
- If you have a large family or use a lot of hot water, a tankless water heater may not be able to provide enough hot water for your needs.
- Traditional water heaters store hot water in a tank, so they can provide a larger volume of hot water than tankless water heaters.
- If you have a small household, live in a warm climate, and have a limited budget, an electric tankless water heater may be a good option for you.
Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular in recent years as homeowners seek more efficient and cost-effective ways to heat their water. But is a tankless water heater for electric worth the investment? In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of electric tankless water heaters to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
Unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water in a tank, tankless water heaters heat water on demand. When you turn on a hot water faucet, cold water flows through a heat exchanger, where it is heated by an electric element or gas burner. This means that you never run out of hot water, and you only pay for the water that you use.
Pros of Electric Tankless Water Heaters
- Endless hot water: Tankless water heaters provide an endless supply of hot water, so you never have to worry about running out.
- Energy efficiency: Electric tankless water heaters are very energy-efficient, using up to 50% less energy than traditional water heaters.
- Space saving: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional water heaters, so they can be installed in tight spaces.
- Long lifespan: Electric tankless water heaters have a lifespan of 15-20 years, which is longer than traditional water heaters.
- Lower maintenance costs: Tankless water heaters require less maintenance than traditional water heaters, as they do not have a tank that can corrode or leak.
Cons of Electric Tankless Water Heaters
- Higher upfront cost: Electric tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install than traditional water heaters.
- Limited flow rate: Electric tankless water heaters have a limited flow rate, which means that they may not be able to provide enough hot water for multiple showers or appliances running simultaneously.
- Cold water sandwiches: Electric tankless water heaters can sometimes produce “cold water sandwiches,” where a burst of cold water is followed by hot water. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a low flow rate or a high demand for hot water.
- Requires a dedicated electrical circuit: Electric tankless water heaters require a dedicated electrical circuit, which can be costly to install.
How to Determine if an Electric Tankless Water Heater is Right for You
Whether or not an electric tankless water heater is right for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Water usage: If you have a large family or use a lot of hot water, a tankless water heater may not be able to provide enough hot water for your needs.
- Climate: Electric tankless water heaters are not as efficient in cold climates, as they require more energy to heat water in cold weather.
- Budget: Electric tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install than traditional water heaters, so you need to factor in the cost when making your decision.
Alternatives to Electric Tankless Water Heaters
If an electric tankless water heater is not right for you, there are other options available, including:
- Gas tankless water heaters: Gas tankless water heaters are more efficient than electric tankless water heaters, but they require a gas line to operate.
- Traditional water heaters: Traditional water heaters store hot water in a tank, so they can provide a larger volume of hot water than tankless water heaters. However, they are less energy-efficient than tankless water heaters.
- Solar water heaters: Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat water, which can be a very cost-effective option in sunny climates.
Conclusion: Is an Electric Tankless Water Heater Worth It?
The decision of whether or not to purchase an electric tankless water heater depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you have a small household, live in a warm climate, and have a limited budget, an electric tankless water heater may be a good option for you. However, if you have a large family, live in a cold climate, or have a high demand for hot water, you may want to consider other options.
FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to install an electric tankless water heater?
A: The cost of installing an electric tankless water heater varies depending on the size of the unit, the complexity of the installation, and the location. However, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for installation.
Q: How long does an electric tankless water heater last?
A: Electric tankless water heaters have a lifespan of 15-20 years, which is longer than traditional water heaters.
Q: What is the best electric tankless water heater?
A: The best electric tankless water heater for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. However, some of the most popular brands include Rheem, Rinnai, and Bosch.
