What is the downside of a tankless water heater? It can be an expensive upfront cost, limited hot water supply, expensive power draw, erratic temperature, additional maintenance needed, and more.
Despite all these, enjoying a warm bath is excellent using a tankless water heater rather than a large storage water heater.
Many chose this tool for its small size, and usage of electric or less fuel. It’s still good to listen to its cons if there is a power outage. There’s no water, and that’s a big deal. It will take much time taking hot water. Better to weigh things out between the pros and cons of buying it. My friends, there are more things that you should know, so without further ado, let’s start!
What Are The Downsides Of A Tankless Water Heater
So, what is the downside of a tankless water heater? With so many positive sides discussing the tankless water heater, it’s finally time to learn its cons:
#1. Expensive upfront cost
A tankless water heater is small in size but still expensive. Be prepared with a budget, as a simple tankless heater can cost more than a good heater with a huge tank. Moreover, an expert plumber is required in the installation, plus the labor fees are expensive. It’s always a part of the upfront bill. Know how much is a tankless water heater.
#2. Limited hot water supply
While a tankless water heater is consistent in hot water supply, it only provides a few gallons of water. It works best for single-use, but it’s troublesome when used by two or more people who use water. It runs out of hot water; it takes time to resume the water supply.
#3. Proper vent needed
Install a suitable vent with it. Moreover, it requires venting it outdoors with a conventional exhaust fan or direct vent, increasing the installation cost. Find out how to vent a water heater.
#4. Extra maintenance is needed
Yearly maintenance is necessary when running a tankless water heart, which is part of your obligation as the owner. A low operational cost brings less consumption of energy. This task counteracts the savings acquired by lower energy consumption.
#5. Demands significant setup
A significantly complete setup is required in a tankless water heater installation, including upgrading or expanding gas supply or water supply pipes. A suitable configuration of electric supply is even needed. Thus, hiring professional electricians and plumbers is essential in installing it, increasing the upfront cost.
#6. It does not start instantly
A tankless water heater does not start instantly like when you need a quick bath; it takes time to increase the water temperature. Just imagine if you’re in a hurry to attend a job interview; a tankless water heater does not seem a promising avenue for heating water. You’ll wait for a long time, so the tankless water heater gets water coming from the cold line. It must then be heated and thrown into the shower.
#7. Competitive yet most expensive
Understand that a tankless water heater is the most competitive but the most expensive, as this is true considering the many traditional water heaters to find and store. It ordinarily has a less or similar property than a standard geyser.
#8. Pilot light wastes energy and consumes pilot light
A gas supply form of a tankless water heater has a pilot light that consumes, plus wastes, energy. Nonetheless, it has nothing to do with heating water. Its design starts in the heating process. But with a conventional water heater alongside storage, the pilot light does not begin the heating process. It somehow increases the water temperature.
#9. Trouble in power failure
If your goal is to maintain the warmth of the floor during the winter season, a tankless water heater seems a great option to consider. But if there is no electricity and there is a storm, the device will not switch on. It won’t heat water as well. It will not heat water at all. A heater that runs with gas requires an electric control panel for its operation, which the tankless water heater lacks. If a power outage occurs for days, it will be a troublesome experience.
#10. The need for extra equipment
If a water softener is necessary, you want the tankless water heater to work correctly. That means you must set extra equipment that adds to the unit’s price. It’s beneficial in saving space, but the vast softener accumulates more space. Add this softener, and it requires more space than a conventional water heater.
#11. Not usable in the northern climates
A tankless water heater uses an instant raising modulator that switches the temperature from 50 o to 60 o. Nonetheless, you do not carry out this easily if you’re from the northern climates.
It’s A Wrap!
Now you learn what is the downside of a tankless water heater considering it’s not usable in the northern climates, and can be troublesome regarding power failure. While it may be the most competitive, it’s still the most expensive. It also comes with expensive upfront costs, which makes you think twice about buying it. Just weigh out the pros and cons of a tankless water heater and purchase it still if you need it. Purchase the tankless water heater if you believe it is beneficial for use at home! Read more about the downside of a tankless water heater.