In this article, we review some key factors to consider before investing in a tankless water heater, such as the upfront investment, energy efficiency and lifespan to help you make an informed decision for your home.
We compare the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, including energy efficiency, life expectancy and hot water availability.
Review this helpful guide about how tankless water heaters work, what the benefits are and how to choose the right size.
Learn how to flush a tankless water heater yourself. It’s an important step in keeping your heater working its best.
Tankless water heaters have so many benefits! Learn our top 4 in this post.
Tankless water heaters aren’t one-size-fits-all! Learn how to determine which size is right for your home.
Considering a tankless water heater? They’re proving popular in Randolph County, Guilford County, Greensboro and beyond, but many homeowners wonder if they’re worth the hype. We’ve put together this helpful guide with the pros and cons of traditional heaters and tankless models to help you make the best choice for your home.
Tankless Water Heaters Are Better For Smaller Homes
One of the top benefits of tankless heaters from companies like Rinnai is that they take up much less space than a traditional unit. With older style water heaters, you have to account for a large tank to hold all of the hot water that you might need at a given time—even for single-person residences, the tank can be quite large. Since tankless units heat the water as it passes through, they are much smaller and can be mounted on a wall. Keep in mind though that if you live in an area with hard water, you might also need to install a softener which itself can be bulky.
Traditional Water Heaters Require Less Setup For Large Families
A benefit of traditional water heaters is that it’s very easy to set one up that will serve a large family. If you expect to run the dishwasher, shower and sink at the same time, you simply choose a tank large enough hot water for all of those uses. With a tankless unit, you need to be more careful about choosing the right model and setting it up correctly. Of course, if you choose a reputable local propane company to install it, they’ll take all the appropriate considerations.
Traditional Units Are Cheaper To Install, But Tankless Units Save Money Over Time
Another area where traditional models win is upfront cost. Because the technology in them is less advanced, they simply cost less to manufacture and install. That being said, tankless units usually make up for the difference after a few years of operation. They heat only the water you need at a given moment which means almost no waste, less frequent propane refills and savings on your bills. They last longer too, which means less money spent on maintenance. These differences quickly add up and make tankless units the cheaper choice in the long run.
Tankless Heaters May Qualify For Special Savings
In addition to saving you money on bills, tankless models may qualify for tax credits or special rebates on installation. These vary from company to company, state to state and depending on federal regulations at the time, so be sure to do some research if you’re considering a new water heater. Luckily, your local propane company will be able to help you make sense of potential savings if you give them a call. These rebates along with savings over time make tankless water heaters a viable option for many families.
The Clear Winner For Durability Is Tankless Water Heaters
Another big plus of newer tankless models is that they’re built to last up to 20 years without significant maintenance. Traditional models, meanwhile, need significant repair or replacement every 8 to 12 years on average. Because of this, companies like Rinnai offer great manufacturer warranties. So if your new tankless unit does have issues, you’ll be able to fix it without worry. This is one of those hidden costs that homeowners tend to forget, but makes a big difference in your savings in the long run.
How Often Should You Flush Your Tankless Water Heater?
No matter what kind of water heater you choose, you’ll need to flush it periodically to keep it running at peak performance. Otherwise, minerals can build up inside the system and cause it to work less efficiently. It’s generally recommended that traditional models be flushed every six months and tankless models be flushed once a year, although homeowners with bad water should do it up to every three months. Traditional models also take longer to flush and have the added hassle of waiting for the full tank of water to heat back up.
Is A Tankless Water Heater Really Better?
The short answer is that, if you can afford the initial cost of a tankless water heater after rebates and tax credits, it’s probably the better choice for your home. To make the decision clearer, we’ve put together this reference table with all the information at a glance.
| Tankless Water Heater | Traditional Water Heater |
|---|---|
| Higher upfront cost | Lower upfront cost |
| Lower costs on bills | Higher costs on bills |
| Compact, fits in small areas | Bulky, needs space for tank |
| Can be wall mounted | Takes up space on floor |
| Average lifespan of 20 years | Average lifespan of 8~12 years |
| May qualify for tax credits | Specific models may qualify for tax credits |
| Often qualifies for installer rebates | Commonly does not qualify for rebates |
| Heats water in a few seconds | Heats full tank in 30 to 40 minutes |
| Yearly flush recommended | Six month flush recommended |
| Wastes almost no water | Wastes unused water |
Euliss Is The Supplier Of Tankless Water Heaters In North Carolina
Here at Euliss, we supply Guilford County, Randolph County, Greensboro, Burlington, Winston-Salem, Alamance, Chatham, Liberty and beyond. If you’re a tankless water heater in Randolph County or Guilford County, get in touch. We even help you get all applicable rebates!
When it’s time to upgrade or install a new water heater, consider going tankless! Tankless water heaters heat water on demand instead of a 40-80 gallon tank at a time; this brings many benefits that may make them the better choice for your home:
1. Tankless Water Heaters Give A Consistent Supply Of Hot Water.
Many homeowners know the pain of waiting for the shower to finally turn hot. This is due to having to wait for an entire tank of cold water to heat up and run through. With tankless water heaters, the water is heated on demand, meaning consistent heat with little waiting.
2. Higher Efficiency Is Better For Your Wallet And The Environment.
Tankless water heaters are about 24~34% more efficient for those who use up to 41 gallons per day, and still 8~14% up to 86 gallons per day. Higher efficiency means less waste and money saved in the long run.
3. Smaller Models Fit In More Places.
The low-profile design of tankless water heaters makes them great for space-challenged homes or homes without basements. They can easily fit in a laundry room or closet without using up valuable living or storage space!
4. Long-Lasting Units Lessen Frustration.
Tankless units tend to last about 20 years on average and their parts are designed to be easily repaired and replaced. And, if the unit needs full replacement decades from now, it’s much cheaper to replace a unit that doesn’t have a tank.
5. Rebates Reduce The Upfront Cost.
Many tankless water heaters qualify for federal, state and/or manufacturer’s rebates. So not only will they cost less over time, but the upfront cost can be greatly reduced with just a bit of paperwork.
Euliss Propane Knows Tankless Water Heaters.
If you’re thinking about making the switch, get in contact with our expert staff. Not only will we help you choose the best model for your home and install it expertly, but we’ll even help you get the best rebates possible.
