If your existing water heater is near the end of its lifespan, you may be looking to replace it. During that process, you may start to wonder if a tankless water heater may be a better option for you compared with a traditional tank water heater. Unfortunately, there are many myths out there that may alter the way you view tankless water heaters. Learning the truth about these myths can help you make the right decision about whether a tankless water heater is right for you or not.
Myth 1: You Can Easily Swap a Traditional Hot Water Heater for a Tankless Water Heater
One of the myths surrounding a tankless water heater is that you can simply swap out a tankless water heater in place of a traditional tank water heater. This is not true. A tankless water heater has a special installation process, and a plumber will need to replumb the portion of your home where your existing water heater is placed. This can be costly and time-consuming. However, it is the only way to set up a tankless water heater.
Myth 2: Tankless Water Heaters Supply an Endless Supply of Hot Water
Another common myth surrounding tankless water heaters is that they produce an endless supply of hot water. Water passes through the tankless water heater and is heated up. That hot water then flows into your home when you turn on something that needs hot water, such as a shower or a dishwasher. However, a tankless water heater can only supply so much hot water at once. The amount it can supply varies based on the model you select. As such, you cannot run every hot water device in your home at once and expect each item to have an endless supply of hot water.
Myth 3: Tankless Water Heaters Are More Expensive Than Traditional Hot Water Heaters
The final myth about tankless water heaters is that they are more expensive than traditional hot water heaters. There is some truth to this myth. Tankless water heaters do cost more upfront compared to traditional hot water heaters. However, tankless water heaters use less energy and require less care and maintenance. They also last longer than tanked hot water heaters. As such, if you compare costs for the lifespan of a traditional hot water heater and a tankless hot water heater, the tankless hot water heater is usually less expensive.
There are many benefits associated with tankless water heaters. They help produce more hot water when you need it, are energy-efficient, and cost less in the long run compared to tanked hot water heaters. Learning more about the benefits of tankless water heaters can help you decide if this heater is right for your home.