Should you buy a tankless water heater?
Are you ready for the new restrictions on energy use? Increasingly, the federal government is passing and implementing legislature that will require everyone to be more efficient. What does this mean for you? Less consumption. While it’s not a law yet, California is issuing a rebate to anyone who buys a certified tankless water heater.
It’s no wonder then that Los Angeles residents are expressing interest in replacing their old tanks in favor of these energy-efficient models. But many wonder whether or not they’re worth it. Because they’re relatively new, no one can say conclusively that tankless is a superior option. So here are a few pros and cons to consider if you’re thinking about switching.
Tanks
Pros:
Speed. Among other things, the older tanks were built for convenience. The models keep a reservoir of hot water ready for us whenever we need it, and if it’s not ready, it will be soon. Advocates claim that the instantaneous delivery is something that just can’t be duplicated with the more modern models.
Predictable cost. When it comes to advantages, the affordable up-front price is hard to beat, or at the very least, it’s predictable. When homeowners buy tanks, they know what to expect. There won’t be any hidden or unexplainable costs.
Cons:
Size. As their name suggests, tanks are big. Actually, “over-sized” is more like it. At roughly 5’ x 2’, they occupy space in your garage or basement that could be easily re-distributed to any number of things. As home designs become more sleek and efficient, the size of older tanks becomes harder to justify.
Energy Consumption. Tanks heat a large volume of water for longer periods of time, which uses more energy than on-demand heating. In turn, this keeps your energy bill high.
Tankless
Pros:
Savings. While their detractors dispute their cost-effectiveness, proponents of tankless heaters in Los Angeles claim that they save you money over time. You’ll use less energy to keep the water hot, and therefore spend less cash.
Space. At a sleek 28” x 20”, the modern heaters are barely noticeable. But if you’re not sure how to install them, call a professional. For the best plumber Culver City has to offer, contact Fiskit Plumbing for your water heater needs. Our trained experts can have you set up and running in no time.
Cons
Up-front costs. Although their savings over time is hard to dispute, many balk at their price tag. It’s not uncommon to pay up to $1,000 for a new model, which can be a bitter pill to swallow, despite the long-term benefits.
Supply. These heaters are made to heat up on demand, which is great – to a point. One or two people using hot water at once isn’t a problem, but some say that a family of four using the bathroom to, say, get ready for work / school in the morning would create too much demand. The tanks aren’t powerful enough to generate enough heat in the moment.