Introduction
Are you considering upgrading your home’s water heating system? Perhaps you’ve been intrigued by the promise of endless hot water and energy savings, but you’ve also heard some concerning things about tankless water heaters. If that’s the case, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are hesitant to make the switch due to common misconceptions surrounding this innovative technology. It’s essential to separate fact from fiction when making such a significant investment in your home.
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, are heating devices that instantly heat water 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. Tankless water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water, but they are limited by the flow rate. Understanding how they operate is crucial for evaluating whether they’re the right fit for your household.
It’s important to address these myths because they can prevent homeowners from making informed decisions and potentially missing out on the benefits of a tankless system. The good news is that many of these concerns are unfounded. In this article, we’ll debunk seven common myths about tankless water heaters, giving you the accurate information you need to make the best choice for your home and family.
Tankless Water Heaters Can’t Handle High Hot Water Demand? Think Again
One of the most pervasive myths is that tankless water heaters simply can’t supply enough hot water for households with multiple occupants or high hot water needs. The image of running out of hot water in the middle of a shower is a common fear. This myth often stems from a misunderstanding of how tankless water heaters are sized and how they function.
The reality is that tankless water heaters can easily handle high hot water demand, but only if they are properly sized for your household’s needs. Unlike traditional tank heaters, which store a finite amount of hot water, tankless heaters provide hot water on demand, as needed. The key is to choose a unit with a sufficient flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
To determine the appropriate flow rate for your home, start by calculating your peak hot water demand. Make a list of all the hot water appliances you might use simultaneously – showers, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, etc. – and estimate the GPM each requires. For example, a standard showerhead might use two and a half GPM, while a kitchen faucet might use one and a half GPM. Add up the GPM for all the appliances you expect to use at the same time to get your peak demand.
Once you know your peak demand, you can select a tankless water heater with a corresponding GPM rating. It’s also important to consider the temperature rise required. This is the difference between the incoming water temperature and the desired hot water temperature. In colder climates, where the incoming water is colder, you’ll need a unit with a higher BTU rating to achieve the desired temperature rise.
It’s also possible to install multiple tankless units to handle particularly high demand. This is often done in larger homes or commercial buildings. By strategically placing multiple units near the points of use, you can ensure a consistent supply of hot water without exceeding the capacity of a single unit. Consulting with a professional plumber is highly recommended to accurately assess your hot water needs and recommend the appropriate sizing solution.
The Cost of Going Tankless: More Than You Think?
Many homeowners are hesitant to invest in a tankless water heater because of the perception that they are simply too expensive. The initial cost of a tankless unit can be significantly higher than that of a traditional tank heater. This upfront cost can be a deterrent, leading many to dismiss tankless heaters as being out of their budget.
While the initial cost may be higher, it’s crucial to consider the long-term cost savings and benefits that tankless water heaters offer. Tankless heaters are far more energy-efficient than their tank-based counterparts. Because they only heat water on demand, they eliminate the standby heat loss that occurs with tank heaters, where hot water is constantly stored and reheated. This translates into significant savings on your energy bills.
Over the lifespan of the unit, these savings can easily offset the higher initial cost. Studies have shown that homeowners can save hundreds of dollars per year on their energy bills by switching to a tankless water heater. The exact amount will vary depending on your hot water usage, energy rates, and the efficiency of your new unit.
Furthermore, tankless water heaters typically have a longer lifespan than tank heaters. Tank heaters usually last around ten to fifteen years, while tankless heaters can last twenty years or more. This means you’ll need to replace a tank heater at least once, possibly twice, during the lifespan of a single tankless unit. Considering the cost of replacement, the long-term value of a tankless water heater becomes even more apparent.
For example, let’s imagine a homeowner who spends four hundred dollars a year to heat water with a tank heater. Over fifteen years, that’s six thousand dollars. A tankless heater might save them two hundred dollars per year, for a total savings of three thousand dollars over fifteen years. Coupled with the longer lifespan, the tankless heater becomes the more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Tankless Installation: A Complex Undertaking?
Another common concern is the complexity of tankless water heater installation. Many homeowners fear that the installation process is too difficult or requires extensive plumbing and electrical work. This can deter homeowners from considering a tankless upgrade, even if they are otherwise interested in the benefits.
While professional installation is highly recommended, the installation process for a tankless water heater is not necessarily overly complicated. The specific requirements will depend on the type of unit (gas or electric) and the existing plumbing and electrical infrastructure in your home.
Gas tankless heaters require a gas line and venting system. In some cases, the existing gas line may need to be upgraded to accommodate the higher gas flow rate required by the tankless unit. The venting system must also be properly installed to ensure safe and efficient exhaust of combustion gases.
Electric tankless heaters require a dedicated electrical circuit. This may involve running new wiring from the electrical panel to the installation location. The electrical panel must also have sufficient capacity to handle the additional load.
The most important thing is to hire a licensed and experienced plumber or technician who is familiar with tankless water heater installations. They will be able to properly assess your home’s requirements, recommend the appropriate unit, and ensure that the installation is done safely and correctly. While it’s tempting to save money by attempting a DIY installation, it’s not worth the risk. Improper installation can lead to safety hazards, void warranties, and ultimately cost more in the long run.
Instant Hot Water: A Myth?
Many homeowners are attracted to the idea of instant hot water at every faucet. It’s easy to believe that a tankless unit will remove the dreaded cold-water wait entirely.
The reality is a tankless heater needs a few seconds for the water to heat up as it passes through the unit. The “wait time” depends on several factors, including the distance from the heater to the faucet and the flow rate of the water. If the heater is located far from the faucet, it will take longer for the hot water to reach the tap.
To minimize wait times, you can consider using a recirculation pump. A recirculation pump circulates hot water through the plumbing system, ensuring that hot water is always available near the faucets. This can significantly reduce the wait time and eliminate the need to run the tap for several minutes before getting hot water.
Maintenance: A Constant Chore?
Many people believe tankless systems need constant maintenance.
The reality is they need periodic maintenance to ensure proper function. The most important maintenance task is flushing the unit to remove mineral buildup. Over time, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can accumulate inside the heat exchanger, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage. Flushing the unit with a descaling solution helps to remove these mineral deposits and maintain optimal performance.
The frequency of flushing will depend on the hardness of your water. If you have hard water, you may need to flush the unit every year. If you have soft water, you may only need to flush it every two to three years. Some manufacturers recommend professional servicing every few years to inspect the unit and ensure that all components are functioning properly.
Cold Climates: A Tankless Water Heater’s Kryptonite?
Another pervasive myth is that tankless water heaters don’t work well in cold climates. The concern is that the incoming water is too cold, making it difficult for the unit to heat it to the desired temperature efficiently.
The truth is that tankless heaters can perform well in cold climates when properly sized and installed. The key is to consider the “temperature rise” needed. This is the difference between the incoming water temperature and the desired hot water temperature. In colder regions, the incoming water can be very cold, requiring a higher temperature rise.
To compensate for this, you need to select a unit with a sufficient BTU rating. The BTU rating indicates the amount of heat the unit can generate. A higher BTU rating will allow the unit to heat the water to the desired temperature, even in cold climates. You might also consider a whole-house solution instead of a single unit.
Tankless Water Heaters: Just a Fad?
Finally, some consider tankless water heaters a passing trend and not a reliable long-term solution.
The reality is tankless heaters have been used for decades and are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and space-saving benefits. In fact, tankless technology is well-established in many parts of the world and it isn’t new to the world.
Conclusion
Tankless water heaters offer a range of benefits, including energy efficiency, space-saving design, and endless hot water. By debunking these seven common myths, we hope to have provided you with the accurate information you need to make an informed decision about upgrading your home’s water heating system. Before deciding, remember to do further research or consult with a professional to determine if a tankless water heater is right for you.
